Neva Corley Dowden

Neva Irene Corley Dowden was born December 21, 1931 in Mount Carmel, Louisiana to Rufus and Bonnie Thaxton Corley. Neva went home to a beautiful reunion in Heaven on December 30, 2017 due to complications from a stroke. Neva loved her family more than life, and she had the special gift of making her friends feel like family. Her sweet, kind spirit and gentle nature were always present. She was such a beautiful example of a fine Christian lady. Whether playing the piano at church or teaching Sunday School, her faith was always evident. After raising her three boys and retiring, her life became one of service. She was a member of the women’s group at First Baptist Church of Many that called themselves the Rainbow Sunday School Group. She played the piano beautifully and offered her talents to play for the services the church held at local nursing homes every other week. She also had a real passion for sewing, making clothes and dolls for children in third world countries and sewing many beautiful keepsakes and quilts for family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wingate Dowden; sister, Geraldine Offer; two brothers, Clayton and James Corley; and grandson, Ben Dowden. Neva is survived by her three loving sons, Charles and wife Julie of Colleyville, TX; Keith and wife Laura of Wisner, LA; and Wayde and wife Katrina of Many, LA. She was a very proud grandmother of Brandon, Drew, Chase, Bonnie and Brion as well as two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 2nd at First Baptist Church in Many from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be Wednesday, January 3rd at First Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Fort Jesup Cemetery. Her grandsons and nephews are honored to serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Fort Jesup Cemetery, 6349 Natchitoches Hwy, Robeline, LA 71469 or Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 190 Tallow Lane, Florien, LA 71429.