Sylvia Shepherd Dowdle, 81, passed away peacefully on Fri., Feb. 9, 2024. She was born to Thomas and Bessie Shepherd in Mobile, Alabama, on Nov. 11, 1942. Sylvia was a graduate of Toolen High School, Class of 1960. She began her career at Scott Paper Company as an accountant. It was there that she met her soon-to-be husband, Thomas Zachry Dowdle (“Zack”), whom she married in 1978. Both Sylvia and Zack retired from Scott Paper Company in 1994, enjoying a fulfilling retirement together. Sylvia was an active member of the Quilt Guild and other local charitable groups. Her favorite activity was providing for the “Quilts of Valor”, which donates quilts for Service Members and Veterans. She was a proud mother of five children and one grandson.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas, and Bessie Shepherd; her husband of 32 years, Thomas “Zack” Dowdle, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Cooper. She is survived by her five children, Greg Dowdle of Daphne Alabama, Mike Dowdle of Daphne Alabama, Chad Dowdle of Pace Florida, Tim Dowdle of Orlando Florida, and Tamlyn Dowdle Barrow of Sterrett Alabama; one grandchild, Luke Dowdle of Silverhill Alabama; her sister, Sharon Cooper of Chickasaw Alabama; and brother, Stephen Shepherd of Mobile Alabama. She is also survived by her loving children-in-law, Leslie Dowdle and David Barrow; and loving granddaughter-in-law, Halley Dowdle.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Thurs., Feb. 15, 2024. Interment took place in Belforest Catholic Cemetery.
Hughes Funeral Home in Daphne, AL, is assisting the family. Expressions of condolences for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com.
