Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Kathy Smith McDowell, age 68, of Granite Falls, NC, formally of Duffield, VA unexpectantly went to be with the Lord Monday, September 9, 2024 while at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC.

She was born November 22, 1955 in Kingsport, TN a daughter of the late Floyd and Myrtle McDavid Bishop. She is also preceded in death by a great-grandson: Jayce Evans, 2 sisters: Shirley and Patricia "Trish", 3 brothers: William "Bud", Carroll and Larry.

She was a 1974 graduate of Rye Cove High School and was also a 1994 Graduate of UVA Wise. She was a devoted Christian wife, mother, nana, aunt, sister and friend. The two most important things in her life were the Lord and her family. Her entire world revolved around her grandkids and those that she loved. She was known for her sweet and loving nature as well as her giving heart. She lived by the golden rule and always treated others the way she wanted to be treated. She found true happiness with her husband and soulmate, Richard. The two resided together in Granite Falls and attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Hudson, NC

She is survived by her husband: Richard McDowell

2 daughters: Michele Ewing and husband Barry and Kelly Houseright and husband Jeremy

1 stepson: Todd McDowell

2 granddaughters: Kendra Evans and husband Jacob and Kalyn Houseright, 2 grandsons: Cody Leonard and Kaden Houseright, 2 great-grandsons: Knox and Ezekial a great-granddaughter: Journey

3 sisters: Karen Qualls and husband David, Judy Drier and Anita Long

mother in law: Eileen McDowell

special sister in laws: Karen Crawford and Wanda Bishop

Several nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members survive along with a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at First Baptist Church Weber City, VA with Pastor Jimmy Mitchell officiating. Music will be provided by Amy Bledsoe. The family will receive friends Saturday preceding the services from 11 AM until the funeral hour. Burial will follow in the Holston View Cemetery, Weber City VA. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Flowers may be delivered to the church anytime after 9 AM Saturday.

In lieu of flowers; memorials may be sent to The Cave Church, PO Box 96, Norton, VA 24273 or Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1787 Cajah Mountain Road, Hudson, NC 28638.

Kathy Smith McDowell and her family are in the care of Jones Family Services.