Mary Virginia Abernathy Dowell

Mary Virginia (Gin) Dowell of George Hildebran NC, born November 19th 1941, went to be with her Savior Tuesday morning December 6th in her home surrounded by family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Virginia is survived by her husband of 57 years, Benjamin Dowell; and their daughters Regina Long and husband Alan Long, Teresa Icenhour and husband Terry Icenhour. She is also survived by her sisters Linda Young and husband Steve, Carolyn Bolden and husband Johnny, as well as brothers Jack Abernathy and wife Susy, Neill Abernathy and wife Nell, and George Abernathy (Junior) and brother-in-law Ray Teague. She was cherished by her grandchildren, Daniel, Katie, Alex, Joy, Emily, Roi-Kyi, Brittany, and Bradley, 9 great grandchildren; Elisabeth, Gatlin, Anna, Journer, Mary, Wyatt, Samuel, Asher, and Sterling, as well as many treasured nephews, nieces, and friends. Preceding her in death were parents Mary and Sutton Abernathy, sister Thelma Teague, brother Clyde Abernathy (Don). She worked tirelessly for many years alongside her beloved husband in his every venture. Virginia was of small stature but her wit, spunk and tenacity were larger than life. She is remembered for her feisty sense of humor and passionate love for Jesus and people. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 12:30 PM at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Dockery and Rev. Harold Cantrell officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at the church. Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church Youth Fund, 201 US Hwy 70 E, Hildebran, NC 28637. Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com. The Dowell Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.