Isabel Dowdy

Isabel Dodson Dowdy was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 12, 1937 to the late Hugo and Sarah Dodson. Izzy, as she was fondly known, was the youngest child of five siblings. Surrounded by family in her home, Isabel was peacefully called to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Isabel received her primary and secondary education from the Baltimore City Public Schools and was the valedictorian of her senior class at Dunbar High School in 1954. As a child, she particularly enjoyed traveling by train with her father, who worked as a porter, to cities like Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Isabel was a lifelong learner and graduated from Coppin State Teachers’ College in 1958 followed by her Masters of Education from Morgan State College in 1974. In 1959, Isabel married Charles H. Dowdy and from this union one daughter was born - Monica Rene’. They were both the love of her life as were her grandchildren, Kyle and Christopher, with whom she spent much of her time. Through her zest for life, she gave them great experiences, passed on godly wisdom, challenged them to think critically, and help others along the way. Isabel and Charles loved to travel in the US and abroad with the family in tow. Hong Kong and Brazil were two of their most memorable trips. In December 2019, Isabel and Charles celebrated 60 years of a loving and faithful marriage. Isabel’s early career as a teacher in elementary education was spent at Cherry Hill Elementary School #159. In the span of 34 years, Isabel was often recognized for her meaningful contributions and achievements. It was no surprise that her students and their families loved her. She was an engaging, creative teacher, seeing the potential in others that they did not see in themselves. Excellent at her craft, she eventually transitioned to Margaret Brent Elementary School #53 as a Gifted and Talented Education teacher and mentor to novice teachers entering the field. This role was a great source of fulfillment for her and the one she would retire from after several years. Not one to sit still, she soon became a consultant for Children’s Literacy Initiative meeting the needs of underserved children and their families in the Baltimore area. She was an avid reader and served as an active board member for the Baltimore County Public Library. Both of these roles provided opportunities to travel and meet new people, adventures her family thoroughly enjoyed. As recently as a month ago, Isabel had volunteered for ten years in the gift shop at Northwest Hospital in Randallstown, Maryland. In addition to family, tennis was her passion. So much so, that in high school she was offered a full scholarship to play tennis at the collegiate level. Especially in her retirement, she could be found “traveling the world” via the Tennis Channel, following the matches of her favorite tennis players. She also loved playing pinochle with her friends, an activity that brought her much joy and an outlet for her competitive spirit. Isabel enjoyed taking Chris to the Indian Wells tennis tournament and visiting Kyle in Chicago. Izzy was a joyful, quick witted, and a fun-loving person. She was a true friend and always had a smile on her face. She attended church in her younger years, but once she understood the true meaning of salvation Isabel became a faithful Christian and loved studying God’s Word. As a member of Hope Bible Church in Columbia, Maryland, she enjoyed serving as a greeter, a helper for the new members’ class, and being an active participant in women’s Bible study. Isabel is preceded in death by her husband, Charles and her siblings: Elizabeth (Betti), Alice, Donald (Hop), and Bailey (Eggie). She leaves to cherish her life: daughter, Monica; son-in-law, Kevin; granddaughter, Kyle (husband Daniel); grandson, Christopher; brothers-in-laws, David (wife Dot); Ronald (wife Nancy); nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and friends

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Isabel Dowdy

April 12, 1937 - November 6, 2022