Eva Lorene McDowell passed away Jan. 5, 2017 at the United Methodist Village Assisted Living facility in Godfrey, Illinois, aged 95 years and 6 months.
She was born June 10, 1921 in Carrier Mills, the daughter of Bessie McNew Pankey and Freeman Pankey. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, William Cook and went by the name of Lorene Cook throughout her school years.
Following graduation from Harrisburg Township High School, Class of 1939, she married John M. (Jack) McDowell, later a World War II veteran, on Oct. 10, 1939.
Known for her culinary skills, she was named a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake Off Contest in 1971. She was primarily a homemaker, but worked part-time in the family business, C.F. McDowell Grocery and at Hart's Department Store in the home wares department. She was a lifelong member of the Harrisburg Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three half-brothers and special brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Russell and Catherine McDowell. She is survived by a daughter, Carol McDowell Frederick, two granddaughters, Melanie Rhodes and Michelle Frederick Palmer, and one great-grandchild, all of Godfrey, Illinois.
Memorial graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg. Bob Coburn will officiate. Those attending are asked to gather at the cemetery.
Reed Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.
