Ila Stuart Dowell

Mrs. Ila Stuart Dowell, age 83, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, June 11, 2018 at Wilkes Senior Village. She was born September 11, 1934 in Ashe County to Reeves Washington and Ethel Rebecca Owen Stuart. Mrs. Dowell was a member of Arbor Grove Baptist Church on Highway 268 East. Ila enjoyed cooking for her family, especially chicken and dumplings, sewing, and gardening. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Lonnie Dowell; and her sister, Nada Sheets. Surviving are her children, Retha Wyatt and husband, Richard, of North Wilkesboro, Steven Dowell of North Wilkesboro, Bonita Jennings and husband, Jeff, Becky Billings and husband, Derek, all of Roaring River; grandchildren, Jessica Presnell, Elisha Somers, Erika Adams, Amber Jennings, Sonya Lovette, Brock Dowell, Kayla Billings; brother, Maynard Stuart, of Jefferson; sister, Melba Turner, of Trinity; and seven great grandchildren. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 15, 2018 at Arbor Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Elliott Smith and Rev. Roger Jennings officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Arbor Grove Baptist Church from 12:30 until 2:00 on Friday, prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to BROC Meals on Wheels, 710 Beech Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or to Autism Society of NC, 306 Summit Street, Asheville, NC 28803. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com