Sue Dowden

Sue (Steadman/Gray) Dowden affectionally known by her family as MimiSue was born in Nocona, Texas on May 21, 1922 and stepped into the arms of her Lord Jesus on February 19, 2019. Sue was a lifelong student, and educator, teaching in Texas, Argentina and Oklahoma for forty-years. She earned her teaching certificate in 1940 and began teaching second-grade in Nocona, and graduated from the University of North Texas in 1942. Sue then met AJ Gray, while he was home from the Army Air Corp, they were married later that year. Upon John’s return from World War II they moved to Odessa where they began life together and welcomed Patricia Sue (Tricia) in 1953. Sue and Tricia lost AJ at a much too early age in 1963. Sue went back to school, earned her master’s degree in education and continued teaching. In 1978 Sue met and married Ed Dowden, gained a son Kent Dowden, and moved off to Oklahoma City where they resided until their retirement in 1991, and moved to DeCordova Bend Estates in Granbury, Texas. Sue and Ed were blessed to travel the world, square danced with the Belles and Beaus, served in their beloved church, community, and never missed a Toastmasters meeting over their thirty-one years of marriage. Sue lost Ed to a tragic auto accident in 2009. Sue loved her weekly Bible Study and met many dear friends who remained with her right to the end. Sue was loyal to a fault and never failed to be there for others. Generous with her time, talents, prayers and service to People Helping People, Habitat for Humanity and Young Life. Sue was preceded in death by her parents John and Eloise; brother Jack; husbands AJ Gray and Ed Dowden. Sue is survived by her daughter Tricia Hall and her husband Royce; her son Kent Dowden and his wife Marinell. Her grandchildren James and Lydia Spencer; Erica Spencer; Cory and Daniel Burge; Ashley and Kevin Bonney; Samantha Dowden, Josh Dowden and great-grandchildren Austin Markham; Logan Butler; Bethanna Burge, Asher Burge and Tommy Bonney. We are forever grateful to her extended family of caregivers at The Cove. Sue will be greatly missed by her family and many friends whose lives she touched with a kind, generous and fun-loving spirit. A memorial Service will take place in the White Chapel at Acton UMC (3433 Fall Creek Hwy. Granbury, TX 76049) on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sue’s honor to Rancho Brazos Ministry of Acton UMC.