Dorothy "Dot" Bush Dowling

Dorothy “Dot” Bush Dowling, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the age of 90 surrounded by family in a room filled with love. She was born on January 28, 1934, in Decatur, Georgia where she lived with her parents and two sisters. She met the love of her life, Glenn Aaron Dowling Sr., at Valdosta State after which they were married at Decatur First United Methodist Church, and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past June 19th. She always beamed when he walked into the room. 

Dot was known for her protective and giving spirit, her ability to make everyone feel valued, her desire to explore uncharted waters (literal and otherwise), her willingness to break the mold, and the way she wove herself into so many people’s lives. She was an undeniable force to be reckoned with and a calming presence beneath the pines.  

Throughout her life, she was a loving daughter and sister, devoted wife, caring mother and grandmother, gentle teacher, Girl Scout leader, Christmas tree grower, basket maker and dear friend to many. Dot loved dancing with ‘her Glenn’, teaching swimming at Camp Okitiyakani, paddling any creek in a canoe, adventuring around the world in purple Keds, riding her blue tractor on Dot’s Christmas Tree Farm, enjoying a plate of pickles with her grandchildren, dying basket reed on the back porch, showcasing her baskets at art festivals across the South, doing her best synchronized swimming in her treasured pool, and responding with “Oh y’all” when our jokes and laughter got inappropriate. All that had the honor of knowing her, feel the blessing that she was and will always remember her bright spirit.  

Dot is preceded in death by her parents, Stewart and Beulah Bush; daughter, Dona Dowling; and sister, Margie Bush Davis. She is survived by her husband, Glenn Aaron Dowling Sr.; her sister, Beverly Bush Cook; children Nina Dowling Payne of Auburn, Alabama, Glenn Aaron Dowling Jr. (Kristina) of Canton; and several nieces and nephews. She was proud to be “Mimi” to her nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Ashley Abt (Noni), Austin Abt, Lily Abt Dowers (AJ), Nina Cates Mock (Michael and children Wyatt and Walker), Laney Payne (Sidney), Dowling Gibson (Tillis and children Tillis and Hazey), Gray Payne, Glenn Aaron Dowling III, and Axel Dowling. Those of us that loved Dot offer our love to the extraordinary people who made her life easier in her latter years. 

The family will be hosting a memorial service in her honor at her home church, Porterfield Methodist Church in Albany, Georgia, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a visitation reception in the Fellowship Hall. To share memories and condolences, please visit https://www.leafcremation.com/obituaries