Obituary of Shirley Wright Dowdy

Shirley Wright Dowdy, 83, of Roanoke, was called home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 3, 2017. She was preceded in death by her father, Albert Johnson Wright; her mother, Ethel Butement; one brother, Jack Wright; and one sister, Betty Jones.

Shirley graduated from William Fleming High School, Roanoke, VA, 1952. She was employed by Norfolk and Western/Norfolk Southern Corporation, starting out as switchboard operator and finishing 43 years of dedicated service as payroll accountant. During her employment, she was a yearly volunteer for the N&W Christmas Cheer program, providing clothing for needy children in the community. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in her early years. 

During her 22 years of retirement, Shirley loved and took pride in her special rose garden, sharing her beautiful flowers with friends, family, and neighbors; lunches with close friends; and flying to Chicago to celebrate birthdays and Christmas with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Roanoke, VA.

The family would like to say thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Lewis Gale Medical Center, Salem, VA; and at-home caregiver Bonita Patterson for all their care and support. Also family would like to thank Pastor Sherry Seay and the congregation of Wesley’s Chapel UMC in  Dandridge, Tennessee for all their prayers, love and support during this past year.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Lynne Carter and her husband Gene of Chicago, IL; one granddaughter, Melissa Carter of Chicago, IL; one grandson, Eugene Carter III (Roan) of Buckeye, AZ; one great grandson, Daniel Bautista, of Chicago, IL; sister in law Carolyn Wright of Middletown, DE;  lifetime friends Joan Dameron, Ester Reynolds, Kay Overstreet, and Mary Howell;  many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.