Frankie Lee McDowell

On February 26, 1945, Frankie Lee McDowell was born to Leola Watts and Frank McDowell in Wabbaseka, Arkansas.

Frankie attended Coleman School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where she received her education.

She worked at Producers Rice Mill and went on to work at the Best Western Hotel, where she was employed until she retired. After retirement, she went home to be a full-time child caregiver.

Frankie loved everyone who crossed her path along her life’s journey. Her grandchildren were dear to her heart. She enjoyed watching her western television shows and going to Blues Fest with her family and friends. She loved to cook, listen and dance to music, and most of all play spades. Frankie was a part of the village that reared many children. In addition, she was known as the ‘pop lady’ in the neighborhood, selling her canned sodas and snacks. One would often see her sitting on her porch enjoying the view.

Frankie passed on April 12, 2023 in the comfort of her home. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Shirley Harris, great grandsons Da’marcus Boston, Jr. and Ja’Kylen Jones, and great granddaughters Kaylee Martin and Chyler Grace.

She leaves to cherish her memories: three sons Leroy (Theresa) Johnson, David (Sonja) Johnson, and Kenny (Carolyn) Johnson; three daughters Betty Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, and Tammie (Charles) Moore; bonus son Lamont James; half-brother James Robinson; special niece Sheila Offord-Cherry; forty-four grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation held Friday, April 21, 2023 from 5pm-6pm at Relerford Funeral Home. Funeral services held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11am at Victors’ Empowerment Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas.   

Professional services entrusted to Relerford Funeral Home, 301 S. College St, Stuttgart, AR 72160. (870) 672-8901.