Gloria McDowell Abdullah

ABDULLAH Gloria McDowell (Wright) Abdullah was born on July 10, 1948 to the late Idella Johnson McDowell of Norwood, LA and the late Robert Lee McDowell Sr. of Centreville MS. Gloria was born in New Orleans, LA and resided in Jefferson, LA where she became a member of Marine Missionary Baptist church. She was baptized at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Once she became an adult she chose Islam, never giving up her Christian roots. In 1967, she was married to Jihad S. Abdullah ("Pa Scootie"); their union was blessed with five beautiful daughters: Leslie Jackson, Lateefah Hunt "Devonee", Raja Dobard "Sonja", Nida Abdullah Tyler "Denise" and Anjail Wright Chambliss; one son Abdul Jihad Abdullah "Walter"; five sons-in-law: Jimmie Johnson, Marcus Hunt, Rafael Dobard Sr., Murray Tyler Sr. and Mahammad Chambliss; three brothers: Benny McDowell Sr., Harold McDowell Sr. (Carolyn) and the late Robert Lee McDowell Jr.; 27 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchild-ren, a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Gloria attended John H. Martin H.S., before being one of the first African American's to attend Riverdale H.S. once it integrated. She furthered her studies at Jefferson Community College and UNO. She was also one of the first African Americans to work for Walgreen's where she gave forty-one years of her service as a Head Photo Specialist and Service Clerk. After Hurricane Katrina she moved to Springdale, AR, where she lived for the past six years. Recently, she became ill and the Lord called her home on October 7, 2011. The funeral will be at Marine Mt. Moriah Ministries, 3034 Andover St., Jeff., LA 70121, on Saturday, October 15, 2011 for 10AM; viewing will start at 8:30AM. Burial at Providence Cemetery, 8200 Airline Dr., Met., LA 70003; repast will be at the Church. The family would like to invite everyone from Walgreens, Wal-Mart, ASI FCU, McDonald's, Jazzy Touch, Purafilter2000 and PeoplesHealth. Richardson Funeral Home of Jefferson in charge of arrangements.