Obituary of Beatrice Dowdy

Beatrice Augusta Dowdy, 60, of Bedford, VA, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 19, 2012. She succumbed to cancer in her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born August 20, 1951, in Belgium. She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Hofman, and sister-in-law, Pat Nichols. Survivors include her mother, Rita Drouba from Belgium; husband, John Calvin Dowdy; three sons and two daughter-in-laws, Victor and Carolyn Jessee of North Carolina, Paul and Terri Jessee of Washington, and David Jessee of Washington; a step-daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Ronald Layne; a step-son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Melinda Dowdy; nine grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Kristina Coleman and fiance David, Jourdon Lee Robert, Kayla Lancashire, Brittany Jessee, Tiffany Jessee, Paul Jessee Jr, Maegan Mitchell and husband Brandon, and Matthew Layne; three great-grandchildren, including Jessica and Zachary Moon; One very special friend and "sister" Jean Worsham; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Phyllis Dowdy as well as numerous brothers and sisters in Belgium and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 2pm at Mentow Baptist Church. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to help with the funeral costs or to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.