Obituary

Elizabeth Dowdy was born on 19 Sept 1941 in Wilkes Barrow, PA and passed away peacefully on 20 May 2026 in Vandalia, OH with her son at her side.  She graduated High School in Athens, GA.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of GA in Athens, GA, and attended seminary at Phillips University in Enid, OK.  She earned a Master’s degree in Special Education at the University of Dayton, and a PHD in School Administration at Miami University, Ohio.  

She is preceded in death by her father Rev. Barton Dowdy PhD, mother RN Kathleen Dowdy, younger brother John Dowdy and 1 infant daughter Kathleen Louise Hawkins. 

She is survived by her youngest brother Jim Dowdy, one daughter, Kimberley Kladitis, and one son Russell Hawkins (Marni), 9 grandchildren: Lydia Kladitis, Nikos Kladitis (Brooklyn), Phoebe Smith (Caleb), Eden Brock (Jacob), Sophia Smith (Nathan), Theopolis Kladitis, Angelos Kladitis, Daphne Kladitis, and Mackenzie Hawkins.  She also is survived by 3 great grandchildren: Johanna Kladitis, Elsie Kladitis, and Ripley Brock, 3 nieces, Amanda Dowdy, Jessica DeMoss (Ben), and Cali Brandon (Zack) and one nephew Alexander Dowdy and 3 great nieces Blair Demoss, Emma Demoss, Oakley Brandon, and 2 great nephews Jacob DeMoss and Grayson Brandon.  

Memorial Services will be held on June 6th 11:00 for visitation and the Memorial immediately following at 12:00, at Evangel Church of God 132 N. Smithville Rd. Dayton, OH