Lois Dowdle

Lois M. Dowdle of Trussville, Alabama passed into God's loving care in her home Monday morning February 22, 2016. Lois was born in Lake Park, Iowa, married Tom Dowdle, her husband of 54 years, in Birmingham, and lived in Trussville for the past 60 years where she raised her family. Lois was a member of The First Baptist Church of Trussville where she was a loyal member of the Eunice Sunday School Class, enjoyed working with the WMU, and also had an 18 year career with McRae's department store. She was beloved by her church, community and family and will be greatly missed. Lois was preceded in death by her parents Minnie Wagner Mertens and Henry William Mertens, husband Tom Dowdle, daughter Curry Jo Dowdle Rosa, brothers Wendell Mertens and Marlo Mertens, and sisters Katherine Vijar and Geraldine Baker. Lois is survived by her son Bill Dowdle and his wife Winky, grandchildren Deanne Philhower and husband Steve, Kate Dowdle, Will Dowdle, and great grandchildren Davis and Hunter Philhower. She is survived by her sisters Maxine Namanny, Iola Scott, and Leona Liggett; brothers Alfred Mertens, Harlan Mertens, Bernell Mertens, Marvin and Beverly Mertens, Royce and Judy Mertens; sister-in-law Joan Dowdle and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. A memorial service celebrating Lois' life will be held for all who would like to attend in the Chapel at First Baptist Church of Trussville at 11:00AM Saturday, February 27. Visitation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers - the family requests that donations be made to The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama http://donate.feedingal.org/ or The Alabama Baptist Children's Homes http://www.alabamachild.org/main/give/