Ellen Grace Smith McDowell

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 1, 2024 in Lafayette at Asbury United Methodist Church for Ellen Grace Smith McDowell, 85, who passed away on February 5, 2024. Reverend John Cannon will conduct the funeral services. Burial will take place at the Asbury Columbarium. Ellen lived her life to the fullest as a loving, caring, courageous, resilient, honest and optimistic woman. As the wife of a banker, Ellen and her husband, Gene, lived all over southern Louisiana and Mississippi making and building homes in Baton Rouge, LaPlace, Port Gibson, New Iberia and finally, Lafayette. She became more than a homemaker, business woman, and active Christian, and her faith served her well in every aspect of her life. Ellen loved to travel at home and abroad, and she jumped in her car and drove everyone who needed a ride or just some company. Ellen graduated from Baton Rouge High School and pursued higher education at Louisiana State University and the University of New Orleans. She was an avid reader, runner, fitness buff, Sunday School teacher, entertainer and art collector. She made and maintained friendships from each place she lived, and these friendships sustained her and gave her great joy and happiness. Ellen belonged to and became an active member in each of the Baptist and Methodist Churches she belonged to during her life, but Asbury held a special place in her heart as the place she worshiped the longest. She is survived by her children, Carter McDowell of Alexandria, VA, Nancy McDowell of Fulshear, TX and Stuart McDowell and his wife Jane of Andover, MA, and her sister Betty Sheridan, and her grandchildren Byron (wife Tiffany), Andrew, Ellen, Emily, Lauren and Mireille. Ellen was preceded in death by her father Burley Smith, mother Mary Smith, husband Gene McDowell, brother Paul Smith and sisters Gladys Smith, Hilda Probst and Marge Hathorn. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Asbury United Methodist Church on Monday, April 1, 2024 from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers be given to Asbury United Methodist Church of Lafayette. Personal condolences may be sent to the McDowell family at Delhomme Funeral Homes Delhomme Funeral Homes of Lafayette assisted with the arrangements. Copyright Delhomme Funeral Homes, Inc. February 2024

Ellen Grace Smith McDowell

September 5, 1938 - February 5, 2024