J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

McDowell, Beverly

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Beverly Blair McDowell, 77, of Chester went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. He was the son of the late Ernest T. and Mary K. McDowell. Bev obtained a B.A. from Toccoa Falls College, a B.A. and Masters from University of Richmond, and a B.D. and Masters in Divinity from Union Theological Seminary. He was minister of several rural Baptist churches in Louisa and Spottsylvania counties, Minister of Education at Northside Baptist Church, and Chaplain at Imperial Plaza Chapel for 33 years in Richmond. In addition to his ministerial commitment, he served as Headmaster of Bermuda Academy for numerous years. Bev had an avid passion for history, especially that of Virginia, which was reflected in his involvement in several historical societies. Bev is survived by his wife, Marleene “Mollie” McDowell; children, Jonathan Lee McDowell, Lauran McDowell Johnson and husband, Jeffrey, Stephen Blair McDowell and David Nelson McDowell; grandchildren, A. Brandon McDowell, M. Hunter Johnson and Joshua T. Johnson; cousins, Bruce Copal and Jimmie Copal as well as numerous other relatives. The family will receive friends at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home tonight from 6 to 8 pm. All are welcome to attend the graveside service which will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 11 am in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

Please accept our deepest sympathy at your loss. Mr. McDowell was a wonderful person and a true man of god. We at Hebron Baptist Church at a better church for having him as our pastor. Your family is our prayers.

And we all can agree that Mr. McDowell is in a much better place.

Posted by: Ellen Hopkins Rumuly and Family at February 26, 2008 09:17 PM

Dear Mollie and Family:
Carol and I were saddened to learn that Bev is not with us any longer, but,remember, our loss is his gain. We have so many happy memories of our times together and will never forget the times he stopped by our parsonage on his way back home from his church. We did not know that you all had children, and we are glad that they are there for you, Mollie. You and your family will be in our prayers, and may God bless you each one and heal your hearts.We will never forget Bev's humor, and we bet he has folks lauging in Heaven.

Our love and prayers,

Jim and Carol Birkitt

Posted by: Jim and Carol Birkitt at February 23, 2008 07:29 PM

Molly and family,
I really enjoyed working with both you and Bev, and am sorry about his loss. I know he is with God. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Barry Curtis

Posted by: Barry Curtis at February 23, 2008 09:26 AM

Our prayers are with you. We will be purchasing a new organ/piano light with an appropriate plaque honoring the 33 years of service of Rev. McDowell

Posted by: Imperial Plaza Chapel at February 22, 2008 08:33 AM