Ms. Gloria Jean McDowell was born on Thursday, May 13, 1948 to the parentage of the late Sammy McDowell and the late Annie Lou Harper McDowell in Baldwin County, Georgia.

Jean was educated in Baldwin County Public School System. She was a proud graduate of Boddie High School class of 1967. She went on to pursue her passion for nursing after graduating from Baldwin Vocational School of Practical Nursing in 1979.

As a Licensed Practical Nurse, Jean would spend the next 34 years of her professional career helping the sick and nursing people back to health at Central State Hospital, Chaplin Woods Nursing Home and the Veteran's Building in Milledgeville, Georgia until retired. Before and during retirement she was an active member in many clubs and organizations, like the Business Club, People Respect People, Vaughn Chapel's Choir, the Usher Board, and the Senior Citizen Program.

Jean was preceded in death by Willie Lee Adams of Milledgeville, GA; Brothers: Mr. William “Sonny” McDowell, Mr. Larry McDowell, and Mr. Areclious McDowell; Sisters: Mrs. Altvier Harper, Mrs. Marily English, Ms. Ethel McDowell, Ms. Ernestine McDowell, Mrs. Mattie Evans, and Mrs. Annie Clide Lawson all of Milledgeville, GA.

For as many knew Jean as a great nurse, she was an even better person and Christian. Her caring spirit, giving nature, and talkative personality left an indelible impression on friends and family alike. Her unique laugh could always be identified in a crowd. She enjoyed green plums and spending as much time as she could with her grand and great grandchildren and was blessed with the ability to make good pies, key lime cake and potato salad. Jean had a charitable heart. She was a consistent donor to Alzheimer's research, Feed the Children, Back to School Programs, St. Jude's Children Hospital, and several ministries over her life.

Jean leaves this earthly world giving more than she took. She leaves heartwarming memories, the love she shared, and the compassion she imparted on friends and family. Jean was blessed with two Sons: Mr. Reginald (Latoya) Ford of Covington, GA; Mr. Nickius (Asha) Davis of Richmond Hill, GA: Seven Grandchildren: Terrill, Shermiracle, Chalissa, Ke'Audrea, Joshua, Priya, and Calib; Two Great Grandchildren: Jusiah and Nova; Sisters and Brothers: Mrs. Veola Milton, Mrs. Judy Ward, Mr. Varry (Odessa) McDowell, and Ernest McDowell all of Milledgeville, GA.; Special Friends: Mrs. Ann Dixon and Mrs. Jerry Stephens.