Betty Ann (McDuffie) Dowis, age 85, of Lavonia, died Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Born July 21, 1931, in Carnesville, she was the daughter of the late Ernest "Green" and Bertie Mae (Hansford) McDuffie. Mrs. Dowis graduated from Carnesville High School in 1946 and graduated from business school in Atlanta. She met her husband, Bill, while on a blind date when he returned from Korea. After marrying Bill they moved to Fort Lauderdale where she began a career in banking. They returned to Lavonia in 1956 where she became a homemaker and mother of 3 girls. Mrs. Dowis was an active member of Lavonia First Baptist Church as a GA leader, Sunday School Teacher and Bible School Director. She was also a Worthy Matron of the Lavonia Chapter of Eastern Star. In 1971 she and Bill became owner/operators of the Goldmine Truck Stop for nearly 10 years. After retiring she enjoyed traveling all over America, Alaska and Europe. When not traveling she worked at Ron's Florist assisting her nephew, Ron Walters. She was affectionately known as "Aunt Betty" to many of her customers.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Ernestine Martin.
She is survived by her husband: Walter Billy "Bill" Dowis; daughters and sons-in-law: Gail & Edward Whonic, Nancy & Charles "Chip" Lineback, and Debbie & Roger Robinson; grandchildren: Leslie & Blake Thompson, Chase & Abbey Lineback, Lee Whonic, Matthew & Jenny Robinson and Kelly Whonic; great grandchildren: Reid Thompson and Charlie Lineback; brother: Kenneth McDuffie; brother-in-law: Johnny Martin; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
The funeral service will be held 4:00 p.m. Sunday, August 7, 2016 at the Lavonia Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home with Dr. Larry Finger & Rev. Mike Smith officiating. Entombment will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens - North with Rev. Chris Chitwood officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the service. At other hours the family will be at the home of Nancy & Charles Lineback.
Strickland Funeral Home – Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.