Gladys Mcdowell

Gladys Ola (Jones) McDowell "Maudie," age 70, passed away with her 4 daughters by her side on February 4, 2013 at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, WI. Gladys was born on June 16, 1942 in Earle Arkansas to Leo Jones and Lottie Mae (King) Jones. After her mother died at a young age, her family relocated to Gary, IN where she was lovingly raised by Leo and Hannah Jones.
She graduated from Calumet High School in Gary, IN, where she performed as a stunning drum majorette. The neighborhood where Gladys grew up was referred to as the "Small Farm." Gladys was a co-founder of the now annual Small Farm Reunion which keeps Calumet High graduates from the small farm neighborhood connected.

Gladys wed Ernest McDowell of Chicago, IL in 1960. They settled in Gary, IN where she was a dedicated and caring homemaker for many years. Later, she relocated to Madison, WI to be near her daughters. As a Madison resident for 24 years, she touched many lives as certified nursing assistant. She also brightened many shoppers' day as retail sales associate where she was often referred to as the "pretty sweet little lady with the beautiful short hair."

Gladys is survived by her daughters: Kim "Missy" Allen of Indianapolis, IN, Ernise "NeeCee" Williams of Middleton, WI, Karen Marie McDowell of Middleton, WI, and Kristy "Bell" McDowell of Madison, WI; Brothers: Shelby Lee Jones (Renne) of Aurora, IL, Edward Leon Jones (Cynthia) of Crete, IL, and Von M. Jones (Bridgett) of Gary, IN; Granchildren: Ernest Terrell McDowell, Quinina McDowell, Ashley McDowell, Clanton Allen, Jr., Marcus Allen, Robert Williams, Jr., Mina McDowell, Ance Daniel Bates, Jr., and Danielle Bates; Nieces and Nephews: Shelby D. Jones "Dink," Mary Joycer, Chrita Echols, Casandra Finley, Tanya Hoey, Anthony Hoey, Philip Jones, Mark Jones, Ashley Kendricks, Karin Kendricks, Arlisha Jones-Cost, Myra Jones, Vaughn Jones, Alvin Jones, Malcolm Jones; and great grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, other relatives and friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Lottie Jones; the mother whom raised her, Hannah Jones; her brother, Leo Anthony Jones "Tony"; and her granddaughter Angel Weslyn Williams (daughter of Ernise Williams and Robert Williams, Sr.).

A private family ceremony was held on February 7, 2013 at Cress Funeral Home in Madison WI. A memorial celebration is being planned to honor Gladys tentatively for June 15, 2013. Memorials may be directed to Ernise Williams, Kim McDowell, Karen McDowell or Kristy McDowell, 3614 Flagstone Circle, Middleton, WI, 53562

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Patrick Bass (fianc� of daughter Kristy) whom Gladys referred to as standing in as man of her local family of mostly women and children for many years. May God bless him.