Photo courtesy of Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel - Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
May 16, 1953 – Oct 16, 2020 (Age 67)
Deborah Ann Dowd, Ed.D. was born on May 16, 1953 in Passaic, N.J. Debbie graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Rutherford N.J., where she excelled in basketball and softball. Debbie received her B.S. in Health and Physical Education from Glassboro State College, N.J. (now Rowan University). Debbie taught Health and Physical Education and coached girls’ softball at Morris Catholic and Bergen Catholic high schools in N.J. for three years. While earning her Master’s degree in Physical Education from Arizona State University Debbie was a graduate teaching assistant and a graduate coaching assistant for the woman’s softball team. Debbie earned her Ed.D. in Exercise Science from the University of Georgia, while commuting from Clemson University in South Carolina, where she was a full-time instructor.
At UNCW’s College of Health and Human Services, Dr. Dowd taught Sports, Physical Activity and the Law; and Measurement and Evaluation of Human Performance. Debbie’s teaching emphasis was in the area of exercise science. Debbie also coached UNCW women’s softball for five years.
Debbie’s services to her community included Canines for Service, Habitat for Humanity, and Cape Fear Hospice Center.
Debbie leaves behind her father, Joseph Dowd and his wife Susan, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her sister Karen Yates (nee Dowd) and husband Steve Banda, Long Valley, N.J.; brothers James in H.C.M.C. Vietnam, Richard and his wife Catherine of Oceanside, N.Y., and Colin and his wife Jessica of San Diego, CA.
Debbie was a loving aunt to her nieces Alise Yates, Ashley, Grace, Lauren and Amelia Dowd, and nephew Brian Yates.
Deb was loved by her dearest friend Karen, and countless other wonderful friends.
Deb was an avid tennis player, and a doting mother to her two goldens Cutter and Quinn, and her cat Kamby.
Though we are devastated by her loss, we can only be consoled that she is in the arms of her mother Ruth and those who have gone before her, and in the hands of Almighty God.
Life will never be the same without her.
Visitation will be held at Andrews Mortuary Chapel Tuesday, October 20, 2020 between 2 and 4pm located on 4108 S. College Rd, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Monty's Home or any of the above organizations Debbie was involved with.
Read MoreDebbie was a fearsome opponent on the tennis court. She will be missed by many who had the pleasure to playing with her and against her. Deepest Sympathy to her family.
Mary(Kathy) Fowlkes
October 22, 2020 | Southport, NC | Friend
Deb & Cutter 2007
Fourteen years ago Deb attended my puppy class with her little golden retriever Cutter. I had just lost my golden 'Monty' at only 6 to cancer. Cutters antics and Deb's empathy and friendship were not only healing for me, but a key component in a new journey called "Monty's Home". Deb enthusiastically joined our board of directors to shape this budding non profit for animal welfare. For years with Cutter by her side she gave so much of her time for the welfare of others, animal and human...
Barbara Raab
October 22, 2020 | Burgaw, NC | Friend
Double D....we fondly called Debbie. She taught many years with Larry at UNCW, and she fondly called him Lar-ee. As a sports official, he spoke in her Sports Law class each semester, and she always asked him to bring Reffy, his old man official stuffed doll that hung on his office door in Trask Coliseum. Larry enjoyed being a fellow faculty member with Debbie in SHAHS for many years. Gwynn also enjoyed knowing DD for all those years as well, and played tennis with her occasionally. ...
Larry Honeycutt
October 21, 2020 | Leland, NC | Coworker
Coach Dowd was a gentle, kind soul. I played softball at UNCW for four years while pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and was blessed to have been coached by her. She had great knowledge of the sport, a calm spirit, and an uplifting smile. May her family and friends be comforted by the thought that the time I spent with her left a lasting mark on my life. For that, I am grateful.
Joy Champion
October 20, 2020 | Bayside, NY | Student
Deb will surely be missed by all who have had the opportunity to know her. She was always willing to help out when needed, was humble, kind and an animal lover. I was blessed to have her in my life as a team mate and friend.
Faye Campbell
October 20, 2020 | Leland, NC | Friend
Deb was an incredible teacher, colleague, and friend. Besides her love of animals, tennis, and teaching (but not on-line), she had a wonderful and witty sense of humor which I will miss greatly! For some reason she nicknamed me "Candidta" and I will miss hearing her call me that and her oh so funny texts. Deb, sorry we never hit it big in the lottery, but we had fun playing and dreaming and scheming--rest in peace my friend!
Candy Ashton Forrester
October 20, 2020 | Kure Beach, NC | Coworker
When things were tough on campus, Deb was there to say they will get better. She always said was what matters are our students , and I agreed. Deb was arguably the most supportive colleague with whom I interacted in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences. She and I shared the love of dogs and the faith that we would one day be reunited with those whose canine souls meant so much to us. I pray that Deb's family and closest friends be comforted with the wonderful memories she gave us.
Eleanor Krassen Covan
October 19, 2020 | Leland, NC | Coworker
Sending thoughts and prayers to Debbie’s family and friends. So shocked and saddened to hear this news. She will be missed for her kindness and caring spirit.
Cindy Wiseman
October 19, 2020 | Wilmington, NC | Coworker
I knew Debbie from her years at Clemson. We used to play racquetball (well, she used to beat me soundly at racquetball), walk our dogs for miles and solve the world's problems. As many have noted here, she was a genuinely kind and caring soul. I'm so sorry I didn't do a better job of keeping touch. Life is too short... Much love to family and friends through this process.
Cathy Frazier
October 19, 2020 | Greenville, SC | Friend
