Fort Lauderdale pioneer, Louise Dowdy, departs this life
Louise Dowdy was the only child of the late Leo Braswell and the late Bennie Eva Bly Braswell Jenkins on Aug. 15, 1935. After the death of her father, Louise went to live with her grandparents, John and Louise Bly, both deceased.
After high school, Louise spent two years in Business School.
Louise was married to Milton C. Dowdy, Jr. for over 17 years. Three children were born to this union and their only daughter, Angelita Lak, passed away in March of 1989. Louise was a member of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. George Weaver, Dr. Mack King Carter, and Rev. Marcus Davidson. She was a member of Choir #2 and the Voices of Mt. Olive. Louise truly loved her church and all of the pastors she has been under.
Louise worked for the State of Florida for over 30 years. Due to Louise’s love for children, a tree was planted in her honor by the Parks and Recreation Department at Joseph Carter Park. Louise also served on the Legal Aid Executive Board for four years, the Nuisance Abatement Board and graduated from the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department Citizens on Patrol, Class of November, 2001.
Due to Louise’s love for her community, she had a food bank in her home and distributed clothes from home also.
Louise passed away on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 and leaves two sons: Milton C. Dowdy, Jr. and Miguel C. Dowdy; two granddaughters; two great-grandchildren, other family members; nieces, nephews, cousins and extended children, and a host of close friends.
The wake will be Friday, Feb. 21 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home, 1305 N.W. Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The funeral is Saturday, Feb.22 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church at 12 noon, 400 N.W. Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla..
