Patsy L. Dowell

Patsy Lee McAvene Dowell, 88, passed away peacefully at 7:31 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at her home in Tuscola.

Patsy was born January 22, 1935 in Arcola to Leo John and Nora Elizabeth (Tackett) McAvene.  She married Bob J. Dowell on August 4, 1956.

She leaves behind her two sisters, Alice Rose McAvene Connour of Arcola and Mary Linda McAvene Lock of Tuscola; two sons, Mark Steven (Beppe Bowles) Dowell of Newman and Michael Keven (Tammy Pollock) Dowell of McDonough, GA; two granddaughters, Stephanie (Douglas) Lampley and Allison (Justin) Giannace; five great-grandchildren, Sydney and Gretchen Lampley and Levi, Nora, and Wesley Giannace.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Patsy graduated from Arcola High School in 1953.  She had many jobs including Cap and Gown, D & S Oil Co., Boxwood Health Care, and Kitchen Collections.  Pat, being small in stature, had love for Jesus and her family that knew no bounds.  She also loved her Camargo United Methodist Church family and Senior Center family in Tuscola. 

Pat loved sports.  In High School she played half court basketball.  Her love for basketball continued into her later years going to Champaign with her niece Kelly Lock to see the Flying Fighting Illini play.  Getting autographs from the team was a thrill and she would proudly show them off.  Even in her last days of life she, with her family, watch the January 2nd game the Illini played against Northwestern.  With arms in the air, rooting her beloved team on, chanting “Come on boys!  You can do it!”  They did, 96 – 66.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. – 11a.m.  on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the Joines Funeral Home in Newman with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m.; Pastor Lenny Summar will be officiating.  Burial will follow at the Fairfield Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tuscola Senior Center or the Camargo United Methodist Church.

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