Published: November 05, 2009 06:04 pm      

Mildred M. McDowell

BLUEFIELD — Mildred M. McDowell, 83, of 4325 E. Cumberland Road, Bluefield, W.Va., died Wednesday November 4, 2009 at her home.

Mrs. McDowell was born March 2, 1926 in Bluefield, W.Va., a daughter of Erbia Daniely and Lola Mae Williams Daniely. She was a lifelong resident of Bluefield. Mrs. McDowell was a Business Administrator at Raine's Piano & Organ Center in Bluefield. She also taught piano lessons at Raine's Center and in her home for over 50 years. She was a pianist and organist for various churches in the area and enjoyed sewing and quilting. She made ballet costumes for local dance schools and followed her father in the photography business. She was also a small business owner, owning The House of Treasures in Bluefield.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carney F. McDowell; and one sister, Janice Altizer.

Survivors include her children, Linda Bray and her husband Larry of Bluefield, W.Va., Susan Davis and her husband Dale of Asheboro, N.C., Kay Fraone and her husband Joe of Wrentham, Mass., Tina Tosti-McDowell of Bluefield, W.Va. and the Rev. Dr. Thomas McDowell and his wife Barbara of Parkersburg, W.Va.; one sister, Peggy Thompson and her husband C.J. “Tiny” Thompson of Bluefield, W.Va., 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Mercer Funeral Home on Friday November 6, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday November 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Thomas McDowell and the Rev. Lee McKinnon officiating.

Burial will follow at Monte Vista Park Cemetery where Ben Davis, Joseph Fraone, Robert Tosti, Stephen Fraone, Adam McDowell, Geoff McDowell, Mike Thompson and James Hardin will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1808 Jefferson Street, Bluefield, WV, 24701, or to Hospice Amedisys, Route 2, Box 182, Bluefield, WV 24701.

Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com

Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory of Bluefield is serving the family Mildred M. McDowell.