Billie Dowell, PhD

In Loving Memory of Billie Fann Dowell, PhD

Billie Francis Fann Dowell, a beloved resident of Mineola, passed away on December 31, 2023. She was born on February 13, 1933, in Lovelady, Texas to Burl and Lillian Pearl Fann. Billie was a cherished wife, mother, and friend, and her legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were blessed enough to know her.

Billie grew up in Corrigan, Texas and graduated from Corrigan High School. After graduation, she went on to attend college at Sam Houston State University where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduating from SHSU, she married the love of her life, Johnnie Dowell, and together they embarked on a journey of unwavering love and commitment. Billie moved to Ft. Bliss in El Paso with Johnnie when he was called to serve his country in the US Army. It was there in El Paso where she began her teaching career. 

After Johnnie fulfilled his duties in the Army, the couple left El Paso and moved to Golden for a short time before moving to the Dallas area. They raised their daughters in Irving, and Billie taught in the Dallas area for over 13 years before moving back to Golden. Upon settling in Golden, she landed a job as a teacher for the Alba-Golden School District.

She taught many years at AGISD before retiring and becoming diagnostician for Wood County and obtaining her PhD from A&M Commerce. Billie loved to learn and was very proud of her education.

Throughout their 58 years of marriage, Billie and Johnnie showed tremendous strength, mutual respect, and unconditional love for each other and their daughters. 

Billie's deep-rooted faith in God led her to become a member of the First Baptist Church in Golden. She found solace and strength in the word of God and truly lived by the principles she believed in, leaving an impact on all those around her. Additionally, Billie was the former Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star many years ago. 

She rejoices in Heaven with her husband, Johnnie Dowell who passed away in 2012; her parents, Burl and Pearl Fann; one daughter, Teresa Fran Dowell who passed away in 2003; three sisters, Dimple Walker, Margy Lankford, and Ruth Stokley; and two brothers, John Fann and Preston Fann.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Dianna Cyne Pullen; two sisters, Ina Grace Dial and Byrlene Fuller; and several extended family members.

Funeral services to honor the life of Billie Fann Dowell, PhD will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, January 8, 2024 at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations. Following the funeral, Billie will be laid to rest next to her husband at Sand Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour before service time, beginning at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in memory of Billie to a local library of your choice.

Mineola Memorial Library
301 N. Pacific Street
Mineola, TX 75773

Quitman Public Library
PO Box 1677
Quitman, TX 75783