Frances Jean Dowdy Equi

Frances Jean Dowdy Equi, 85, of Roanoke, Va., died October 23, 2010. She was born November 11, 1924, to the late Eustace and Margie Dowdy. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, William Daniel Equi III, and her sister, Dotty Bible. She was a 1943 graduate of Jefferson High School and later attended National Business College and Virginia Western Community College. After attending National Business College, she got married and worked at Norfolk and Western Railroad in the Auditor of Disbursement for nine years. Jean, after raising her sons, later worked for twenty years and retired from Virginia Western Community College as the Supervisor and Manager of the Copying Center. Jean was a member of Our Lady of Nazareth Church and enjoyed helping with church functions when asked. Surviving her are her three wonderful sons, William Daniel Equi IV, David Michael Equi and wife, Beth and Patrick Wallace Equi and wife, Leslie; and her dear brother, Wallace Dowdy. Jean is also survived by five cherished grandchildren, Brian, Erica, Courtney, Blair, and Nick Equi. There are many nieces and nephews also surviving her. Jean and her family would like to express their gratitude to all her friends and neighbors that assisted her during her illness, as well as Dr. Jha and her staff, Dr. Carr and his staff, Dr. Torre and his staff, Dr. Currie and his staff, and the receptions and staff at the Fusion Center at Lewis Gale. Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph P. Lehman will officiate and interment will follow at Fair View Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.