Elder Elsie Freeman McDowell peacefully transitioned on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at home. She was born in Cleveland County on September 11, 1930 to the late Elijah Freeman and Blossom Logan Freeman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James E. McDowell, Sr.; sons, James E. McDowell, Jr. and Michael McDowell; grandchildren Tonya McDowell and Calvin McDowell; brothers, Charles Freeman, W.D. Freeman, Harrison Freeman and Nevins Freeman; sisters, Roberta Gleaves, Louise Hamrick, Margret Crenshaw, Betty Howell and Elaine Hoskins. Left to carry on her legacy are; two sons, Ricky McDowell (Joan) and Wayne McDowell; seven daughters, Gwendolyn Lawrence (Bobby), Sylvia Phillips (Chuckey), Sheliah Webber (Anthony), Janet Dillard (Mikel), Angela Jones (Buddy), Cheryl McDowell and Lisa Jeffries (Andre’); daughter-in-law, Acquanetta McDowell (the late James, Jr.); sister-in-law, Louise Freeman (the late W.D.); 31 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great-grandchildren; special god-daughter, Edna Wright; a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Through Elder McDowell ministering the good news of the gospel, many lives were changed, and souls won for Christ! A Praise Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Elder McDowell on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Sunset Cemetery in Shelby, NC. CDC Guidelines and NC Governor’s Mandates will be observed. The service for will be private. It will be live-streamed on Facebook starting at 12:45 PM. She may be viewed at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Sunset Cemetery.