Shirley J. McDowell

Deaconess Shirley McDowell Joseph was born to Henry McDowell and Minnie Lee Thompson Bates Mc Dowell on February 21, 1945, in Liberty, MS. She was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 surrounded by her family at the age of 80. At the age of 6, she moved to Jefferson, La. Shirley was educated in JeffersonParish Public Schools and graduated from John H. Martyn High School. After graduating, she spent many years doing private sitting with the elderlyand/or infirmed. Shirley was the 3 of 13 children and lived in Mississippi until she was 7. Later moving to LaPlace, Louisiana where she resided until her passing. Shirley was the devoted mother of  4 loving, caring sons; David and HernandezMcDowell and the late Tyres McDowell and Fredrick Houston. Deaconess Joseph was baptized at an early age by the late Rev. Robert J. Wilson at Marine Missionary Baptist Church. She was raised in a home rooted in love and reverence for God, where faith was not only taught but woven into the fabric of her everyday life, and the church helped her grow spiritually. As a child she attended Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, WeeklyYouth Prayer Service with the late Mother Amanda Marshall, and she even sang in the youth choir. Later, she joined Usher Board #2 and served  for over 50 years, prior to accepting her call to the serve in the Deaconess Ministry. In addition to the Deaconess Ministry, Sis. Joseph was a faithfuland dedicated member of weekly Sabbath School as well as Wednesday Morning Prayer Service. Like her mother, the late Minnie Lee McDowell,Sis. Joseph was a mighty Prayer Warrior. She lovingly called everyone “My Baby,” a simple phrase that carried the weight of her tenderness.Her warm, open spirit drew people in and made them feel at home. Left to cherish her memories are her two sons; David and HernandezMcDowell; 4 sisters; Beverly McDowell, Deborah McDowell-Foster, Jacqueline McDowell of Los Angeles, California and Dorthy Brownof New Orleans, Louisiana, 3 brothers; Charlie, Michael and Henry McDowell, 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren, brother and sisters-in-law; Bessie Brashears, Herman Brashears, Mary Brashears, Margie Allen of Liberty, Mississippi.,Dean McDowell of LaPlace, La., Mary Lee Bates of Kenner, Louisiana and Myrtis Bannister of New Orelans, LouisianaGod child Ytina Burns.and her two dear devoted friends; Glendora Polk and Deaconess Ethel Boykins. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents,husband, two sons and twin sister. Shirley was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all those whose path’s she crossed. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 Viewing 8:30am - 9:45am Service 10:00am. Marine & Mt. Moriah Community Church 3034 Andover Street Jefferson, LA 70121 Pastor Donald L. Robinson.