Louisa “Lou” Dowling Davis, 68, of Mills River, NC, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 9, 2022. She fought a courageous battle with cancer and dementia and held strong to her will to live out her final days with laughter and kindness to others.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 12th at Bent Creek Baptist Church, 1554 Brevard Road, Asheville, NC 28806. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 12th at 11:00 a.m. at The Baptist Church of Beaufort in Beaufort, SC.
Born on January 7, 1954, in Beaufort, SC to Joab M. Dowling, Sr. and Katharine Douglas Dowling, Lou was the fourth of five children. She was predeceased by her parents and two older brothers: Joab M. Dowling, Jr., and John Douglas Dowling, both of Beaufort, SC. Lou received her BA degree in English from the University of South Carolina where she later earned a master’s degree in Education. She worked for years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in the Western North Carolina area and later held several positions with commercial firms in Asheville.
Surviving are Lou’s fraternal, younger twin sister, May D. Peach of Hendersonville, NC; older sister, retired judge Jane Dowling Fender of Beaufort, SC; niece, Susie D. Herlong (Donny) of Sumter, SC; nephews Sherwood N. Fender, Jr. of Swannanoa, NC; Joab M. Dowling, Ill (Jennifer) of Beaufort, SC; James A. Dowling (Cayce) of Due West, SC; Addison D. Fender (Tracy) of Beaufort, SC; Douglas D. Peach (Tania) of Washington, DC; and Daniel D. Peach of Decatur, GA.
Those who knew Lou can attest to her quick wit, gregarious nature, unending generosity and, at times, her unpredictable nature. She could be articulate and determined one moment and silly and naive the next. She could exert laser-focused energy when she set her mind to something. She could also change her mind quickly, and she did frequently. Her personality kept all around her on their toes.
She loved her family and friends dearly. Lou quoted Scripture with ease and read her Bible daily. At times, she could also express herself without much forethought, such as the time she asked her Sunday School teacher which came first, the Old Testament or the New Testament.
One of Lou’s most memorable traits was that of being a storyteller. At family reunions, when meeting someone new, or when she had a captive audience, she could regale her listeners with stories of family adventures, good times and bad times, and almost unbelievable circumstances during her life. At this very moment, she is most assuredly telling her new friends in Heaven stories the likes of which they never heard on earth.
Lou was one of a kind. God will surely have his hands full with Lou. She will keep Him and all his angels busy for a very long time.
In lieu of flowers and in Lou’s memory, donations may be made to the church or charity of your choice.
I was so sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. I remember her smile and her sense of humor from AH days. My heartfelt prayers and sympathy to May and the entire family.
Please accept my deepest sympathies in this time of transition. God be with all of the family at this time.
We were at PC together .. so sorry to hear .. and yes she was lively and so fun to be around … My condolences to you , May
A very special, warm, gregarious soul that had me in stitches at least once during my many visits. Heaven is even better with an angel like Lou watching from above. My thoughts and prayers are with May and all of her family at this very difficult time. Lou went out as she dreamed of doing, living life to its fullest ♥️
Finding Lou’s obit this morning was a huge shock. She was my counseling intern, had integrity, values, unparallel humor & all the characteristics described in other tributes, an inspiration, was put into my life for a reason, tho neither of us knew it at the time. We became fast friends despite me being her supervisor. I often felt she was mine! Lou could dig into a cause & find the truth, then either flatten the wrong doer herself or push the go button on the ‘machine’ that did the deed while she cheered. She saved my career & sanity, not an understatement. Over the recent years we fell out of touch & I now know why. I missed her. I miss her.I guess I’m saying we all need to embrace the people who’ve been important to us while we have the chance. As they say, the sky is brighter now with Lou up there – always the brightest star.
Lou was so very special-warm, caring, and full of love. She welcomed me into her home and life and I am thankful to have known her. My condolences to the family, especially May who often joined In our visits. Keeping you in my prayers.
Oh my word I hate to hear this. She was a hoot to work with and I loved to hear her talk and all those stories. She was truly a special person. RIP Lou.
Lou was one of a kind. It was a blessing to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with May and the rest of the family in this time of loss.
Lou was such a special person and meant so much to me. I will miss her greatly.