Evelyn McDowell

Mrs. Evelyn Marie Finley McDowell, 79, of Hartwell, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Hart Care Center.

Born on March 17, 1946, in Easley, South Carolina, Evelyn was the daughter of the late Oliver Thomas Finley and Lauda Belle Payne Finley. She was raised on a farm, where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for faith & family that remained with her throughout her life.

Evelyn was employed for many years with the Hartwell Company and later worked on the assembly line at Kautex in Lavonia until her retirement. She was a faithful member of Sardis Baptist Church. She especially loved traveling to the mountains, camping, spending time with her grandchildren, and the quiet companionship of her beloved Shih Tzu, Riley.

Survivors include her three daughters: Kim Isbell (Ron) of Lavonia, Pam Dean of Cumming, GA, and Dana Sanders of Hartwell; one brother: Donnie Finley of Greenville, SC; one sister: Juanita Finley Ketron of Easley, SC; five grandchildren: Jon Seay (Ashlie), Sarah "Dean" Seay, Justin Sanders (Lacey), Jack Dean, and Luke Dean; and three great-grandchildren: Laken Sanders, Ophelia Mazer, and Boone Sanders.

Mrs. McDowell was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Alex Ralph McDowell; and three brothers: William, Harold, and Milton Finley.

The family will receive friends Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at their respective homes.

Funeral services for Mrs. Evelyn McDowell will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Jeff Combs officiating. Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.