Ann Dowling

1944 - 2015

ANN GRAY HENDON DOWLING
1944-2015
ANN GRAY HENDON DOWLING (1944-2015) came into the world in a small rural Kentucky town, Mayfield, during World War II and left it on a sunny, mild November day in Baytown, Texas, after a long debilitating bout with CIDP. Left to mourn the loss yet celebrate the joy of having known this "pilgrim soul" are her immediate family, countless friends all over this nation, and the numerous people whose lives she touched with her constant religious faith, indomitable courage, peerless eye for color and design, outstanding voice, wildly unpredictable sense of humor, and unending capacity for love.
Born December 13,1944, to Linda and Clay Gray, Ann was the second daughter given the strong , foundation of a happy childhood and an immediate best friend in her big sister who adored her on sight. With this foundation ,Ann was an eager student who excelled in the classroom and enthusiastically participated in various activities, particularly music. Ann met and married Jerry E.Hendon while both attended Murray State College in Murray Kentucky. After graduation, Jerry served at Fort Bragg while Ann taught elementary school. Their son, Kevin Taylor Hendon, was born there in 1986. Kevin's diagnosis of cystic fibrosis at 18 months, with a then life expectancy of 3-5 years changed the focus of the family's existence. They vowed to make his life as full of experiences, joy, and laughter as possible, which with a towering unwaivering effort they managed for the 18 years they had with him.
Divorced in 1988, Ann Hendon began work at Lee College where she wore many hats: job counselor, general director of the massive 60th Anniversary of Lee College, driving force that established a Lee College scholarship in Kevin's name, and guiding light to hundreds of students who needed to find the path to a successful career. On a more social level Ann finally got to indulge in her many aesthetic interests: singing in the church choir, singing and acting in local theatre production, attending opera seasons as well as straight plays and concerts all over Houston, traveling, and reading voraciously. At that period of her life she was a moving target, having a real run-about with her countless dear friends and buddies.
Long time friends, she and Dennis Dowling found romantic love in late midlife. Their relationship was the stuff of legend often found in great literature: Juliet to Romeo, Antony to Cleopatra. Theirs has been a story of constant courtship, love, travel, and laughter, accompanied by the love songs of every genre. They married in 2002. Often complete stranger would see them , then come up and comment that the sight of the Dowlings' love gave them courage and hope for the future.
Ann Gray Hendon Dowling was a gift to those in the world in which she traveled. As child, young adult, and wise matron, Ann gave unceasingly of herself to those who knew her, She touched lives with her constant willingness to listen, offer advice, decorate a room, tell a story, and laugh or sing. She faced her final illness in the same way she lived her life: with grace, lifelong religious faith, courage, humor, and the admiration of all who knew her.
Ann's passing was preceded by her beloved son, Kevin, and by her parents, Clay and Linda Taylor Gray and her best friend, Patsy Dowling. She left behind to mourn and celebrate the "wonder of Ann" are her husband and love of her life, Dennis Dowling; her sister and soul mate, Dr. Pat Gray; her children and grandchildren by marriage Paul Dowling/Carole Medway/Na Yeon Dowling, Suzanne Cates/Jerry Cates/Madisyn Cates, Jeannine Fulkerson/Carl Fulkerson, Stephanie Torres/Dave Torres/McKayla Winham and Emily Torres, Jennifer Simotas/Bob Simotas, and precious godchildren, Max Shah and Angie Shah of Kingwood.
A visitation will be held Monday afternoon from 4 to 7 at Crespo and Jirrels Funeral Home(281-839-0700), 6123 Garth Road, Baytown, Texas where food will be served. The funeral is on Tuesday at 3P.M. at Memorial Baptist Church , 600 W. Sterling. Flowers are welcome, or contributions to favorite charities in Ann's name are greatly appreciated. Friends who wish to write memories or tributes to Ann may send them to www.@crespoandjirrels.com. Ann had so many friends all across the country that messages are the only way many people can be a part of the celebration. The family welcomes your thoughts