Grace Austin Dowdy

Grace Elizabeth Austin Dowdy, 77, of Quinton, VA, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2022 following a long illness. Originally, from Varina, she was a graduate of Varina High School and Chowan College.

As a member of Landmark Baptist Church, she faithfully served in the choir and children’s department. Because of her desire to help the citizens of Virginia, she worked for the Virginia Employment Commission for 57 years. She was known for her integrity, kindness, and outstanding dedication to public service.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Henry Dowdy, Jr. of Quinton, VA; daughters, Michele Dowdy-Mason of Clayton, NC, Melanie King (Brandon) of Concord, NC, Meredith Johnson (Paul) of Petersburg, VA; fourteen grandchildren, Jonathan, Jessica, Kyle, Kimberly, Kasey, Elizabeth, Julianna, Kevin, Lydia, Kara, Brandon, Kameron, Kristopher, Timothy; and great-granddaughter Daisy. Also, she is survived by her brother, John Austin (Karen) of Varina, Clyde Austin, Jr. (Joanne) of Mechanicsville, and sister, Mary Simons of Chesterfield.

She is pre-deceased by her parents, Clyde Austin, Sr. and Grace Whitlow Austin, and her brother Charles Austin.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff of Tyler’s Retreat of Ironbridge in Chester and the staff of At Home Care Hospice for the wonderful care and support they provided.

A visitation with the family will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home on 4650 S. Laburnum Avenue on Monday, December 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. A service will be held at Landmark Baptist Church, 4000 Creighton Road, on Tuesday, December 13 at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Landmark Baptist Church Mission’s Fund or to Samaritan’s Purse.