LaVerne McDowell

LaVerne McDowell, 87, of Zion, IL died peacefully on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at her home. She was born January 19, 1929 in Zion and was a lifelong active member of Christ Community Church. She retired after 32 years in the administrative offices at Zion Elementary School District #6. She loved her garden and decorating her yard and received City of Zion Garden Of The Month Award. But most of all she was a devout Christian woman and was the foundation to her family including her loving husband Dick who passed away in her care in 2004 and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her children Cheryl Szwedo of Kenosha, WI and Larry McDowell of Beach Park, IL; five grandchildren Sarah (Jim) Lindsey, Nathan (Corrin) Blazewicz, Loren (Kim) McDowell, Lane McDowell, and Ashley (Stacy) Benson; and five great grandchildren, Kailee, Noah, Josiah, Jayden and Harper. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Dick” McDowell; and her father and mother Vernon and Dorothy Thompson. Visitation will be Thursday, December 22, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Church, Pastor Ken Langley officiating. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL. Memorials to Camp Zion, a ministry of Christ Community Church, have been suggested.