Dr. Cissy Dowdy, 66, passed away on November 27, 2023, at home surrounded by her family in Batesville, AR. She was born on May 21, 1957, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Billy Sowell and Mary Lois (Harper) Sowell.
In the mid-1970s to early 1980s, Cissy was able to explore the country with her husband as they were an over-the-road truck driving team. During this time, women were not truck drivers. Cissy learned to drive an 18-wheeler and traveled cross-country with her best friend, Richie. She was a trailblazer for women in this field.
When the adventure of truck driving ended for her, she began pursuing her teaching degrees. Cissy earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central AR, two Masters’s Degrees and her Doctorate from Arkansas State University. She used these degrees to educate students at Southside Charter High School for 34 years. Dr. Dowdy used her quick wit, deep knowledge and storytelling abilities to bring history to life for her students. Her passion for teaching was evident to all those who had the pleasure of having her as an instructor. She touched and inspired thousands of people over the span of her career. Dr. Dowdy loved her co-workers and administration as well. She loved being a Southside Southerner.
Cissy retired in 2020 from teaching. Her hobbies included metal detecting, traveling, and raising cattle. She loved being outdoors and camping with her husband. Above all else, Cissy loved spending time with her family, especially her three granddaughters. Dr. Dowdy was a trailblazer, leader, inspiration, and friend to many. She was also a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her family. Cissy was an irreplaceable force that left her mark on the world. The world is a better place because of it.
Dr. Dowdy is survived by her husband and best friend of forty-seven years, Richie Dowdy; daughters Rana Dowdy and Resa Dowdy; and granddaughters, Harper Hilton, Josie Barber and Maggie Barber. She is preceded in death by her parents and several aunts and uncles. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Southside Charter High School Auditorium starting at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ALS Foundation, Arkansas Chapter.
