Obituary: Edith Arlene Dowdy

Arlene Dowdy, widow of Rev. William "Bennie" Dowdy, passed away peacefully Monday, April 1, 2024 at her home at the age of 87. Born in Crisp County, she was the daughter of the late Cecil Sanders, Sr. and Ruby Williams Sanders. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Rev. Bennie Dowdy and her precious granddaughter, Alicia Lynn Stewart. Arlene is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Lynn and Jerry Hayslip and Carla and Jeff Baker; four grandchildren, Shea (Michael) Wells, Bo Baker, Billy Joe (Chelsea) Baker and Heather (William) Moore, and five great-grandchildren, Sawyer Lee Wells, Sadee-Lynn Wells, Sophie Baker, Madelyn Moore and Eva Moore; a brother and his wife, Cecil (Margaret) Sanders Jr.; and two sisters, Cecile Bunn and Faye Adkins. Arlene loved the Lord and joyfully served him as a minister's wife in the Methodist Church for over 30 years.  As an active member of Midway Methodist Church, she faithfully dedicated her musical talents to the Lord. She loved her family dearly and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a special Mia. Funeral services for Arlene Sanders Dowdy of Cordele will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Midway United Methodist Church. The interment will follow in the church cemetery.