Mary Kay Dowling

She was born and raised in Gadsden, AL. Kay was a 1956 graduate from Gadsden High School where she was class beauty and queen her senior year. She attended Brenau University and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Social Sorority and elected freshman beauty. Kay's family owned and operated McQuen's restaurant in Gadsden beginning in 1948. In 1957, Kay married her high school sweetheart, Dr. Thomas Dowling, III in the chapel of First Baptist Church, Gadsden where they were members.

She was a devoted wife and mother to Tommy and their three sons. She and Tommy had a wonderful life together filled with many adventures, friends, and family. The Dowling house was always open to everyone. Later, she and Tommy enjoyed life at their lake house in Leesburg with their lab, Alex. She also looked forward to every Thursday with the ladies of her sewing group. They had a wonderful friendship and met every Thursday for over 50 years.

Kay was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who was loved by all who knew her. She thought of everyone, especially her family, before herself. We will miss her kind heart and beautiful smile.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Eloise and Cecil Watford and sister, Carolyn Phillips.

Kay is survived by her husband of 66 years, Dr. Thomas Dowling III; sons, Dr. Tommy (LeAnne) Dowling IV, Gadsden, Billy (Donna) Dowling, Birmingham, and David (Alicia) Dowling, Gadsden; grandchildren, Whitney (Winn) Raughley, Birmingham, Thomas (Laura) Dowling V, Opelika, Cameron Dowling, Birmingham, Will (Emily) Dowling, Greensboro, SC, and Erin Dowling, Telluride, CO; great grandchildren, Winn, Dowling, and Katherine Raughley, Gwin Dowling, and Isla Dowling; and many special nieces and nephews.

There will be a private family graveside service Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 2 o'clock with Rev. Mat Alexander officiating at Forrest Cemetery in Gadsden, AL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Dowling family.