ERNESTINE WALKER MCDOWELL
Ernestine Walker McDowell was truly a great woman of honor, faith and integrity. She was the wife of the Rev. Edward Homer McDowell for almost 70 years.
Mrs. Ernestine McDowell passed peacefully from this life on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019.
She devoted her life to taking care of her family and loved life and fought valiantly for it. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and caregivers, Yvonne Carter and Sammie Marshall, during the last two years of her life. She was loved by her family, friends and community beyond measure and will greatly be missed.
Mrs. McDowell was born on May 21, 1932, in Greenville, to the late James Maxie Walker and Jurdie Mae Williams. She was educated in the public schools of Greenville County. She was a registered licensed practical nurse, retired as the activity director of National Health Care and was a daughter ISIS. A Christian woman, she was a member of the United Methodist Church, serving in many organizations, following and supporting her husband as he served as pastor in several churches in the South Carolina Conference. Upon retirement after more than 45 years of ministry, the Rev. E.H. and Ernestine McDowell then joined Emmanuel United Methodist Church. She touched the lives of many through her music and church participation. She always greeted everyone with a huge warm smile. Mom never met a stranger and was selfless in her acts of kindness toward others.
She is survived by four children, the Rev. Edward (Jeannie) Jr. of Columbia, the Rev. Julius Lavonia of Charleston, Elaine Gertrude (Carl) Miller of Myrtle Beach and Elizabeth Kay (the late Ben) Jakes of Decatur, Georgia; first cousin, Sue Carol James of Cincinnati, Ohio, who was like a sister; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives.
The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 1008 Dover Circle, Sumter.
Homegoing services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 401 S. Main St., Sumter, with the Rev. Marvis L. Steward, pastor, presiding, and the Rev. Edward Honer McDowell Jr. and the Rev. Julius Lavonia McDowell, eulogists.
The remains will be placed in the church at 10 a.m.
The funeral procession will leave at 10:30 a.m. from the home.
Burial will be at Hillside Memorial Park, 3001 Cains Mill Road, Sumter.
These services are entrusted to the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.