Ann Marie Dowdy

Lifelong Shawnee resident Ann Marie Dowdy, 81, passed away Tuesday May 19, 2026 in Shawnee. She was born December 1, 1944 in Shawnee to Wilbur and Pauline Higley. She graduated from Shawnee High School in 1962, and then attended Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma Baptist University, and the University of Oklahoma. Ann’s professional career spanned 33 years with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, retiring in 1999. During this time she served on many committees with the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce and several boards in the Pottawatomie County area. Ann had a creative passion that was expressed through many creative endeavors throughout her life. Her love of quilting yielded many beautiful one of a kind quilts. Her artistic talents also produced many treasured creations in the areas of embroidery, china painting, pottery, and scented candles. Ann was a follower of Christ and was a lifelong member of Wesley United Methodist Church where she served as newsletter editor and served on the Education and Worship committees among many others. She was also active in many church activities and always lent her talents and support to facilitate mission trips and other church functions. On October 8, 1988, she married the love of her life, Gary Dowdy. Together, they enjoyed many years celebrating life with family and friends. Ann also enjoyed the company of many pets throughout her life, all of whom became family to her, none more than her beloved kitties Boots and Bandit. She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Pauline Higley, her brother, Wilbur Clem Higley Jr., and one grandson David Peterson. Survivors include her husband Gary Dowdy of Shawnee, one sister Ellen Higley Esquilin of Kansas City, Mo. ;Son Steve Dowdy (Shelly) of Moore; Daughter Amy Jackson of Oklahoma City; Niece Holly Freeman of Oklahoma City, Nephews Mike Higley (Donna) of Shawnee and Greg Higley of Arlington, Texas. Grandchildren Adrienne Dowdy, Chelsea Jones (Deshun), Raven Jackson, Jai'Len Brown, Tasha Sanders, Tony Dowdy (Kayla), Kyle Hokett (Amber), Hailey Soleil, and eighteen great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday May 26th, 2026 at Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gerard Nsabimana officiating. Private burial services will held at a later time.