Joyce Maxine McDowell, age 91, of Springfield, Illinois, formerly of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 8, 2023, in her home in Springfield.
She was born on September 16, 1931, the daughter of John Henry and Elda Elizabeth (Kleinschmidt) Saylor in Breadstown, Illinois. She married Harry K. McDowell on July 28, 1951, in Centralia and he preceded her in death on October 20, 2007.
Mrs. McDowell is survived by her loving family, two daughters, Vickie Strange and husband Mike of Springfield, Illinois, and Debra Belcher of North Fort Myers, Florida; four grandchildren, Jason York of Kodak, Tennessee, Derek York of Springfield, Illinois, Kristi Koch and husband Jason of Dix, Illinois, and Kasei Kuhns and husband Jason of Salem, Illinois; six great-grandchildren, Jacob Koch and fiancée Brianna, Kaleb Koch and girlfriend Hannah, Krue Koch, Ella York, Dylan Kuhns, and Laney Kuhns; one sister, Donna Christ of Las Vegas, Nevada; one sister-in-law, Tana Saylor of Springfield, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
In addition to her husband of 56 years, Harry McDowell, Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elda Saylor; her sisters, Merita Tweddell, Bonnie Kinison, Joan McCall; one brother, Wilbur Saylor; and son-in-law, Jeff Belcher.
Joyce had praiseworthy organizational skills which served her well while working as a supervisor for Miss Elaine’s dress factory in Centralia. She retired from the dress factory after 43 years. Mrs. McDowell was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Springfield, Illinois. She enjoyed sewing and was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. Joyce was an avid reader who couldn’t put down a good Danielle Steele novel. She liked time relaxing in front of the television with her favorite shows, Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right, and all the good movies on Lifetime and the Hallmark channels. Joyce appreciated the beauty of Florida from her view on the beach or the pier while visiting there. She was known to try her luck at the slot machines in hopes of a win. She loved more than anything spending time with her beloved family and being the most amazing, fun, supportive Nana and Grams.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor James Hennig officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park Lakeside Mausoleum in rural Sandoval. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Joyce’s honor to Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Joyce may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
