Dawn Marie McDowell

Dawn Marie McDowell passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, in her Moberly home, surrounded by family. 

Dawn was born on November 5, 1952, in Kansas City, MO, to Adra and Glenn Burton. Dawn graduated from Lathrop High School in Lathrop Missouri. She attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. Dawn was employed for several years by Sears and Robuck as a data entry operator. Dawn went on to earn her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri. Dawn taught elementary and kindergarten in House Springs, MO, Martinsburg, MO, and Pilot Grove, MO. After she retired, Dawn moved to Zephyrhills, FL where she was pastor of Zephyrhills Community of Christ congregation. Dawn lovingly cared for both her parents as they aged in Zephyrhills, FL. Dawn will be missed by her congregation, family, and friends. 

Dawn made an impression wherever she went, with her kindness and positive energy. It would be impossible to list all those that loved Dawn, because if you knew Dawn, you loved Dawn. Dawn loved camping, fishing, crafts, and singing. She made our world brighter.

Dawn’s immediate family consists of two daughters, Amy Marie Prater of Moberly and Melodie Kay O’Brien of Cape Coral, FL; her sisters, Leda McLennan of Carterville, IL, Glenna Burton of Moberly, MO, and Laurel Albrecht of Henley, MO. There are also numerous relatives and many others whose lives Dawn touched, too many to mention. 

Prior to her death Dawn lost her parents, Adra Parker and Glenn Burton whom she lovingly cared for until their deaths.

A memorial service will be held at Community of Christ Church in Zephyrhills, FL, at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to Helping Rock, 7124 Forbes Rd, Zephyrhills, FL 33540, USA. Dawn was actively involved in this homeless community for many years and supported their mission. Thank you for loving her and helping to extend her love by supporting this mission.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, MO 65270 (660)263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.