Glenda Kay Dowless

Glenda Kay Dowless, of Winnabow, North Carolina, was born on August 18, 1953, in Miami, Florida, and passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on January 27, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Glenda's early years were marked by her family's relocation from Miami to a farm in rural Tama, Iowa, to be near her paternal grandparents. Later, they moved to Raeford, North Carolina, to be closer to her maternal grandmother. These moves instilled in her a deep appreciation for family and the tranquility of rural life.

She was an alumna of Scotland High School in Laurinburg, North Carolina, where she cultivated her love for learning and joined the ranks of accomplished graduates. Furthering her education, Glenda earned an Associate Degree in Business from a community college in Bladenboro, North Carolina. Her academic pursuits laid the foundation for a life dedicated to caring for her family and nurturing their home.

A devoted homemaker, Glenda lovingly cared for her husband, David Dowless, until his passing. Her commitment to family was unwavering, and her home was always a sanctuary of warmth and love.

In her youth, Glenda was a proud member of the 4-H club, living on the family farm where she developed a passion for horses-riding and showing them with great joy. Her spiritual journey began in the Presbyterian faith, but later, alongside her husband, she became an active attendee of a Baptist church in Bladenboro, North Carolina.

Glenda cherished her solitude and found immense joy in being an avid reader, often losing herself in the pages of her favorite books. Her love for the natural world, especially horses, remained a lifelong passion.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Dowless; her parents, Marvin Glenn and Ruth Kathleen Collinson; her brother, Michael A. Collinson; and her nephew, Timothy Kevin Collinson, Glenda leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her brother, Martin L. "Marty" Collinson, and niece, Kaye Morgan Collinson, both of Asheboro, North Carolina; her nephews, Joshua Lee Collinson of Greenville, South Carolina, and Donald Dowless of Smithfield, North Carolina.

After her husband's passing, Glenda made her home at Brunswick Cove in Winnabow, North Carolina, where she continued to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Private family services will be held to honor Glenda's memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pender County Humane Society, reflecting her love and compassion for animals, please see link below.

Glenda's gentle spirit and quiet strength will be deeply missed, yet fondly remembered by all those whose lives she touched.

Her family has entrusted Glenda's care to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403.