Phoebe Dowdy

Phoebe Ann Dowdy, 91 Passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025 in Richmond Va.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wyatt Rudolph Aydlett and Phoebe Ann Aydlett (White), and her husband Robert Luther Dowdy Sr.

Phoebe was born in Elizabeth City N.C. She was an only child but enjoyed a large network of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Early in her life, the Aydlett family often congregated at the Outer Banks compound in Kitty Hawk that was owned by her grandfather. At the time it was one of the only buildings in the area. It was ultimately destroyed in a storm in 1962. This is where she developed her love for the ocean and fellowship with family and friends.

She graduated Elizabeth City High School along with her future husband in 1952. She was involved in music, drama and the National Honor Society. She was given the phrase "Many charming ways doth she possess." by her classmates, in her senior yearbook. Phoebe went on to attend UNC Greensboro, eventually graduating from UNC Chapel Hill.

Although she had known her husband since the 1st grade it wasn't until college that they started dating, and soon thereafter, came a proposal of marriage. She was completely devoted to her husband Robert and had to endure a lot of his absence while he served his time in his co-op job and Air Force reserve duties before their wedding. They wrote hundreds of love letters back and forth during his time away.

Phoebe married Robert on July 29th 1956 and honeymooned in pre-Castro Cuba with a brief stop on the way to an Elvis Presley concert in Miami. They both loved south Florida, and decided to start a family in Miami, welcoming their first child, Robert Luther Dowdy Jr. 1960, and their second child, Betsy Alice Dowdy in 1961. It would be 7 years later before they welcomed their third child, Hal Wyatt Dowdy in Richmond Va. She was a great mom and managed to balance raising 3 children with what she wanted for herself.

In Richmond, Phoebe was passionately involved in music at Stratford Hills United Methodist church. She was in the Choir, played handbells, and sometimes filled in for the organist. She was a talented singer, and musician, which led to a European handbell tour in 1987 and performances at Carnegie Hall in 1998, singing with the Masterworks Chorus of the Palm beaches. She not only loved to follow professional tennis but she loved to play the sport as well.

Phoebe was well traveled. From the far east and Australia, to Europe and all over the US, she immersed herself in many cultures.

In 1991 Phoebe and Robert returned to south Florida and settled in West Palm Beach overlooking the Intracoastal waterway. They would split their time between Florida and Virginia for the next 32 years. She sang for the Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches, and was involved with the Florida Trail Association. She had no problem sleeping in a tent well into her 70's while providing support for the hikers that participated in the annual Big O hike around Lake Okeechobee.

It cannot be overstated how much of a positive impact Phoebe Dowdy had on everyone that knew her. She just did not judge others. She always listened. She consoled those in pain, as well as sharing in their happiness. She always knew what to say with sincerity and honesty. An old cliché states "she really lit up a room". Phoebe Dowdy was scientific proof. She made friends wherever she went and held on to those relationships for life. She loved animals, often mentioning that they represented the spirits of loved ones coming to visit. She displayed a youthful exuberance into her 90s. She lived in the moment and never dwelled on regrets from the past. A true example of how everyone should live their life. Now that her spirit has been released, there is absolutely no doubt that the flowers will grow bigger and their colors will show a lot brighter.

Phoebe lived a great life. She is survived by her son Robert Dowdy Jr.(Deena); daughter Betsy Ashauer(John); son Hal Dowdy(Christina); grandchildren, Ashley Raven(Mike), Aidan Dowdy; great grandchild Riley Raven. In honor of Phoebe's selfless nature please make a donation to your charity of choice in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be sent to 3231 Blithewood Dr., Richmond, VA 23225.