Anita D. McDowell February 28, 2019 Anita D. (Parker) McDowell, age 60, transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 28, 2019, at Sentara Careplex in Hampton, VA. Anita, affectionally called “Nita” or “Neet”, was born at Southampton Memorial Hospital on May 9, 1958. Her maternal grandparents cared for her from birth until she married Dexter R. McDowell, Sr. (for 26 years).
She’s a 1976 graduate of the former Forest Glen High School in Suffolk, VA, then attended ECPI in Norfolk, VA. After graduating from EPCI, she and Dexter moved to Newport News, VA, to start their family. Through the years, she worked at many places.
The most rewarding were Lowes (Contractor Sales), Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and most recently Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Nita’s children always kept her moving, creating numerous memories with them. They took her to many places to include Hawaii, Texas, Washington D.C., and Florida, to name a few.
She was extremely proud of her children and could share their life stories at any moment if you had the time to listen. She was most proud of them because they are all college graduates, which is something she always wanted for them. Nita was also proud to have three beautiful grandchildren, who could get her to travel to Atlanta, GA at any time; even if she was only able to stay with them for one day.
She was a family-first type of woman but was never selfish with her unwavering love and support of others. She loved spending time with her family, whether it was at a family reunion, an impromptu gathering, or just a few “Parkers” or friends to stop by to chat. She always made herself available and ready to share her hugs, laughter, tears, a listening ear, and advice.
Nita was also in tune with her calling to help others. She has helped a plethora of families with meals, clothing, finances, and just this past Christmas, she sponsored a family. Anita was preceded in death by her mother, Jean Berleigh McKoy, her brother, Dennis Lamont McKoy, and her maternal grandparents, Willis and Rona Parker.
To cherish her precious memories and to carry on her legacy are her four children: Nicole (Norris) Cantrell, Dexter McDowell Jr., Alex McDowell, and Alexis McDowell. Anita also leaves three grandchildren who she adored, Nyla Cantrell, Nneena Cantrell, and Norris “Tre” Cantrell, III; a brother, Neil McKoy (Latonia) and a sister, Lavinia McKoy; a special person who she affectionately called her “momma, sister, friend”, Gloria “Aunt Belle” Johnson; her devoted friend, Jimmy Vaughn; as well as, a host of beloved aunts and uncles, who were more like brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. A memorial service celebrating Anita’s life will be held at Laurel Hill United Church of Christ, on March 8, 2019, from 3 pm-5 pm.
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