Mrs. Joann Broadnax Dowdell

Sister JoAnn Broadnax Dowdell was an extraordinary woman whose life was beautifully defined by love, loyalty, faith, family, and service. Her journey leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of devotion to God, commitment to family, and love for her community. JoAnn Broadnax was born on December 19, 1957 in Auburn, Alabama, to the late Joseph Robinson, Jr. and Rachel Broadnax. At a very young age, she and her mother moved to Queens, New York, where she resided until the 11th grade. At the age of 16, JoAnn returned to Auburn, Alabama, to live with her grandmother, Mary Emma Durr. JoAnn attended the public schools of New York City and later attended Auburn High School. After earning her high school diploma, she continued her education at Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Alabama. As a teenager, JoAnn accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and united in Christian fellowship with Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama. In 2020, she joined Auburn AME Zion Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Stephen Faulk. She became an active and faithful member who loved worship, biblical instruction, fellowship, and outreach. JoAnn was a cheerful giver of her tithes and offerings, faithfully attended Bible Study and Prayer Service, and served joyfully as a lead singer in the Sanctuary Choir. Her love for God was evident in her praise, her presence, and her service. On January 23, 1988, JoAnn was united in holy matrimony to Jimmie Lee Dowdell. Together, they built a life and family filled with love for 38 years. JoAnn enjoyed spending time with her family and friends at cookouts, ballgames, and gatherings. She especially loved her beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness, pride, and joy to her heart. Whether through words of encouragement, shared laughter, or quiet acts of kindness JoAnn had a special way of making everyone around her feel valued. She spent many years working at Mr. Gatti’s Pizza in Auburn then on to work at Auburn University. She was a loyal Auburn fan and had a passion for service. Her commitment to others left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her. JoAnn was a woman of compassion, strength, and unwavering love. She departed this earthly life on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from the home she knew and loved for most of her life. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, the memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was preceded in death by two children Calvin Dowdell and Jeremy Dowdell; one sister, Dennice Broadnax; her parents, Rachel Durr and Joseph Robinson; her grandmother, Mary Emma Durr; and her nephew, Kentavious Robinson. JoAnn leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted husband Jimmie Lee Dowdell; three children, Kevin Dowdell, Travis Dowdell, and Desmond Brown, all of Auburn, Alabama; five sisters, Willie Pearl (Willie Frank) Humphrey, Crystal Johnson, Monica Gaffney, all of Auburn, Alabama; Sandra (Maurice) Sales of Manassas, Virginia; and Lanesha Webb of Hawaii; one brother, Joseph Robinson of Birmingham, Alabama; five grandchildren, Jakez Dooley, Jakel Dooley, Kenzleigh Dowdell, and Kaleah Dowdell, Raymond Brown; two great-grandchildren, Ace Dooley and Legend Dooley; one aunt, Mary Durr of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; one great-aunt, Lottie Irby of New York City, New York; four sisters-in-law, Darlene (Ernest) Brunson of Crestview, Florida, Vickie (Tommie) Nelms of Waverly, Alabama, Ella (John) Gee of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and Janice Frazier of Auburn, Alabama; three brothers-in-law, Roger Lee (Kathleen) Dowdell, Ernest Dowdell Jr., and Edward Dowdell, all of Auburn, Alabama; a sister of another mother, Sandra Lockhart; her godson, Kane Willis; a dear cousin, Charlie Parker; and a host of other family members and friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, generosity, and love. JoAnn’s legacy of faith, compassion, service, unwavering love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. May her life forever remind us to love deeply, serve faithfully, and cherish the precious gift of family.

Mrs. Joann Broadnax Dowdell

December 19, 1957 - May 14, 2026

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Mrs. Joann Broadnax Dowdell

December 19, 1957 - May 14, 2026

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information