Sue W. McDowell, of The Villages, Florida, transitioned to her heavenly home peacefully at the age of 88 on February 21, 2026 following a brief illness.

Born on February 19, 1938 in Ty Ty, Georgia to Dana and Josie Whitfield, Sue was one of eight children and was known for her energy and imagination. She loved her three B’s: Birds, Butterflies and the Beach. A lifelong gardener, Sue found joy in nature and grew a variety of beautiful roses and other flowering plants. She trained for a career in nursing, and later spent years working in the advertising and investment fields in Atlanta, GA.

Sue was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband Gary McDowell; daughters Pam Moore of Titusville, FL, Kim Bennett of Monroe GA, and Stacey Ramia of Miami FL; granddaughters Heather (Curtis) Schneider of Edgewater, FL and Megan (Tyler) Cornelius of Social Circle, GA; and grandson Garrett Haulk of Monroe, GA; as well as great-grandchildren Miley, Maddie and Carson; and sisters Nola Andrews of Jacksonville FL, and Toni (Charles) Newell of Enigma, GA. She was preceded in death by her sisters Bettye Davis, Vivian Adkins and Lynn Cooper; and brothers Dana "Buck" Whitfield Jr, and Theodore "Ted" Whitfield.

At 11am Saturday, May 2nd, a memorial service honoring Sue’s memory will be held at the Hampton Inn in The Villages (1727 NE 63rd Dr, Lady Lake, FL). She will be laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.