Virginia Lee Dowling

Virginia Lee Dowling (nee Elmore), 95, of Belleville, IL, born on September 18, 1930, in New Athens, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at her house in Belleville, IL, surrounded by her loving family.

Virginia was a woman of many talents and interests. When she wasn't sewing, antiquing, or going to estate and yard sales, she was enjoying time with her friends and family. Virginia also had an interest in auto racing, even co-authoring a book named Dirt on Auto Racing.

Virginia's heart was as open as the sky as she was involved in various charity works, had opened her home to several foster children over the years, and she performed missionary work with her husband, John. With him, she also helped build 3 family homes.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Gennis and Rose Elmore (nee Hampton); beloved husband, John Dowling; son, Michael Dowling; and two brothers, Glennous Elmore, and Robert Lawrence Elmore.

Left to cherish Virginia's memory are her loving sons, Terry Lynn (Kathy) Dowling, Daniel Gerard (Judi) Dowling, Mark Alan Dowling; brother, James (Gerry) Elmore; former daughter-in-law, Stacey Dowling; and two wonderful grandchildren, Zachary Fischer Dowling, and Nicholas Edward Dowling.

Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Graveside services will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, 5000 N Illinois St, Fairview Heights, IL 62208.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.