Jo McMillan Dowless, 69, of Myrtle Beach SC passed away at her home on Friday, April 8, 2016 following a 5 year battle with cancer.

 

A memorial service will be held at Fair Funeral Home Chapel in Eden NC on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 2 PM with Rev. Joseph Hethcoat officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service (1 - 2 PM) at the funeral home.

 

Mrs. Dowless graduated from Wentworth High School in 1965 where she was a member of National Beta Club, a cheerleader, and sang in Glee Club.  She received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Personnel Management Technology with honors from Rockingham Community College in 1993.  For 28 years she worked for Fieldcrest Mills starting as a multilith operator in Office Services and progressing to Personnel Manager for the Karastan-Bigeow Division.  Following a move to Georgia in 1993, Jo was employed by CSI/Crown Inc. and Franklin Industrial Minerals in personnel and office management positions.  She retired from Franklin in 2005 and relocated with her husband Jack to the South Carolina coast.  She was an avid reader, knitter, and loved beach walks, shelling, and seafood.

 

She was born on February 17, 1947 in Leaksville, NC, the daughter of William Nall and Pauline Hand McMillan.  She was preceded in death by a daughter, Gina Katherine Reid, and a stepson, William Anthony "Bill" Dowless.

 

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Jack Dowless of the home; three daughters, Alison Reid Clark and husband Jay of Reidsville, Meleah Reid Banks and husband Lane of Chatsworth GA , Heather Reid Stewart and husband Brian of Green Bay, WI; a stepson, Kenneth Mark Dowless and wife Patrea of Columbus GA; a sister, Carolyn Richardson and husband John of Stoneville; a brother-in-law Jimmie Dowless and wife Norma of Charlotte; sixteen grandchildren and step-grandchildren; seven nephews and one niece.

 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jo's memory to Regency Hospice, 600 Garden City Connector, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 or to the charity of your choice.

 

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com