Ella Nadine Dowdy, 97, of Rector, Ark., passed away on October 18, 2022 at the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. She was born in Piggott, Ark., to the late John and Lula (Thompson) Nettles.

Ella was a special woman and loved by many. Her top priority was her family. She loved mentoring all the children who came along, teaching them the values and love that she had. At family dinners, everyone anticipated a slice of grandma’s homemade apple pie. She was very involved with her church at Fifth and Pine Church of Christ in Rector. She and the ladies from the community were amazing quilters who often designed their own patterns. She was also excellent at ceramics and would let the younger children help with that sometimes. She was a part of the church ladies who designed their own cookbook which many still love and use.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Raymond (T.L.) Dowdy; a son: Curtis Dowdy; her siblings: James Nettles, Druzella Hawkins, Francis Hill, Raymond Nettles, Jimmy Lewis Nettles and Bessie Poole.

She is survived by her son: Billy Rex Dowdy of Rector; her grandchildren: William (Bill) Dowdy of Muncy, Penn., Paula Dowdy Smith of Stafford, Virginia, Raymond Dowdy of Paragould, Jason Dowdy of Rector, and Jessica Dowdy Smith of Pocahontas; 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; a sister: Mary Lockard of Michigan, along with other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the Irby-Mitchell Funeral Home in Rector. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 21, at the funeral home with Ken Roden officiating. Interment was in Mitchell Cemetery in Greenway. You may sign the online condolence book at www.irbyfuneralhome.com.