Claire Winn Dowden

Claire Winn Dowden was born on September 28, 1938, in San Bernardino, California to Charles and Betty Winn of Texas. The family moved to Texas three years later. Claire grew up in Houston and became a graduate of Stephen F Austin High School in 1956 and Sam Houston State University in 1960.

Claire married Curtis Arlan Dowden in 1963. They had a wonderful life together for 46 years living in Bay City, Orange, Midland, Lafayette, LA, Kenai and Anchorage, AK, Findlay, OH before finally settling down in Katy in 1986. Claire and Curtis were blessed with two loving children, Kevin Curtis, and Donna Renee’ and grandchildren Steven, Cole, his wife Kenzi, and Courtney. Kevin and wife Barbara live in Washington state and Donna and husband Don, live in Katy. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Claire loved golf, fishing, and having friends and family around whether it was a glass of wine on the patio or a Texas BBQ. You might say the other loves of her life were Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority where she met many lifelong friends. She enjoyed her times with her friends referred to as the “Katy Chicks.” She held officer level positions within ZTA both in college and on a national level. Claire was a member of ZTA Houston Alumnae Association and Houston West ZTA where she served as president of both organizations. She also became President of the ZTA Houston Mothers Club. She was honored by her initiation chapter, Delta Zeta, with the establishment of the “Claire Dowden Outstanding New Member Award” presented annually a newly initiated member of ZTA at Sam Houston State University.

Claire’s love of golf extended to her active membership at Willow Fork Country Club in Katy and the Women’s Golf Association, where she held a variety of board positions.

Having no siblings, her ZTA sisters, Katy Chicks, and the many friends she made living in different parts of the country were a very important part of her life. After the death of Curtis in October of 2009, her Katy friends became even more dear. Her infectious personality and warm smile will be missed dearly by all. She loved deeply and was loved in return.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday July 22, 2023, at 2:00 in the chapel at Memorial Oaks funeral Home. Internment will proceed afterward at the Memorial Oaks Mausoleum followed by a reception on premises.

In lieu of flowers, it was Claire’s wish that donations be made to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation “In memory of Claire W. Dowden.” Contributions can be mailed to Zeta Tau Alpha, 1036. S. Ridgeline Rd., Carmel, Indiana 46032 or online at zetataualpha.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Dowden family.