REMEMBERING

Millie Dowd

1945

-

2025

With deep reverence and abiding gratitude, we celebrate the life and legacy of Mother Millie Graham Dowd, a woman of grace, strength, and unwavering faith who transitioned into eternal rest on June 11, 2025. Her journey began on December 6, 1945, in Lonoke, Arkansas, born to Frank and Mahalia (Lewis) Graham. Rooted in faith from a young age, Millie accepted Christ at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Carlisle, Arkansas—a spiritual foundation that guided her life of purpose and service.

Mother Dowd’s calling was clear: to walk and serve in faith, and to uplift, nurture, and empower children and families in need. This passion for service blossomed into a lifelong career—from her early work as a social rights advocate in college, to her early career work in New Jersey, and later in Dallas, Texas, Chicago, Illinois, and finally upon her return home to Arkansas. While living in Chicago, she joined Rock of Ages Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Marvin Wiley, where she poured her heart into the Children’s Ministry and the New Members’ Ministry, welcoming others with warmth and love.

After returning to Arkansas to care for her beloved mother, Millie rejoined Mt. Zion Baptist Church and extended her ministry beyond the sanctuary. She founded Mothers 4 Education, a family-led nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every child began the school year with the tools and support they needed—school supplies, hygiene items, health check-ups, and most of all, dignity and hope.

She later moved to Conway, Arkansas, to be closer to her daughter. There she joined New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of former Pastor Carlos Kelly, followed by Rev. Dr. George L. Parks, Jr., and presently Rev. Dr.  George Shears, III.  She continued to serve joyfully and diligently—supporting young minds, coordinating the Brunch Committee, participating in the Senior Life Group, and offering care and hospitality through multiple ministries and events. Her life was a living testimony to the scripture: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Mother Dowd was an exemplar of excellence. A proud graduate of Carver High School in Lonoke, she earned her undergraduate degrees from Shorter College and Philander Smith College, and later a graduate degree in Education from National-Louis University in Chicago. She was also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

She now rejoins her parents, Frank and Mahalia Graham, her siblings Jerry Wayne Graham, Essie Mae (Graham) James, and Willie Graham in eternal peace.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughter, Candice Dowd (Shahid) Maxwell of Merrillville, IN; her brother Dan Graham of Redfield, AR; her sister Kathy Harris of Kankakee, IL; and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love.

Mother Millie Graham Dowd’s life was a legacy of service, guided by faith and rooted in love. Her light will continue to shine through all she inspired, uplifted, and embraced

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Visitation Details

Venue:

No Visitation Venue Information Available

Date:

N/A

Time:

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Note:

No additional visitation notes.

Service Details

Venue:

Calumet Park Cemetery

Date:

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Time:

12:00

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N/A

Officiator:

No officiator information available.

Note:

Graveside Service

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