Erma Lee ("Doll") Bethany McDowell

Erma Lee Bethany was born on April 11, 1935, in Dime Box, Texas, to the parentage of Claude Bethany and Lucy (Clemons) Bethany. She received her education and graduated from Fairview School. At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized at Rising Star Baptist Church in Dime Box.

She met and married Eva McDowell on June 7, 1954. She moved to Doak Springs community where they raised a beautiful family. This lovely union was blessed with five wonderful children. They were also very active in the rearing of their oldest granddaughter, Michelle.

Erma united with Mount Olive Baptist Church in 1954, where she was a faithful member until her demise.  She served as secretary, Mission Board member, and choir member.  She glorified God with her voice and sang in the Lee County Mass Choir and the LaGrange Baptist District Association Chorus.  

Erma was employed at the Invader Boat Factory and later at Giddings I.S.D.  She loved sewing, baking, cooking and spending time with her family.

On February 10, 2025, Erma answered her Savior’s call from labor to rest and reward. She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Bethany and Lucy Bethany Burns; her husband, Eva McDowell Sr.; one son, Douglas McDowell; two great-grandchildren, Ashley Clemons and Jaxen Burrell; and siblings, Louise Scott, Claudia Garrett, Allen Bethany, William Bethany, Phillip Bethany, Betty Bethany, John Bethany, James Bethany, Lucy Johnson and Marva White.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: two daughters, Diann Jernigan and Elder Linda Wallace both of Lincoln, Texas; two sons, Pastor Evva McDowell Jr. (Ollie) of Lexington, Texas and Bernard McDowell of Lincoln, Texas; one brother, Lee Roy Bethany of Dime Box, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Michelle, Charissa, Kristal, Angela, Jason, Garrick, Kandy, Karen, Garry, Jessica, Rashard and LaShawn; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; three sisters-in-law,  Helen Washington of Bryan, Texas, Gladys McDowell of Lincoln, Texas and Daisy McDowell of Giddings, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

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