Juanita M. Dowell, 93, of Winchester VA died Monday November 7 at Westminster Canterbury where she has resided since 2005. Mrs. Dowell, the widow of Bill G. Dowell was born January 10, 1923 in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Aubrey and Belle Wise (Higgins). Juanita and Bill Dowell married after high school in 1941 first settling in Kansas City and eventually moving to Alexandria, VA in 1960 due to Bill’s employment with the US Navy Department and where they continued to raise their 5 children. They bought farmland in Stephens City, VA in 1970 in preparation for their retirement. During these earlier years, Juanita spent her time keeping house and raising her children. In 1978 at the age of 55, she graduated from the nursing program at Shenandoah University attaining an RN degree. She worked the following years at the old Winchester Hospital on Cork Street mostly on a part time schedule allowing her to also enjoy traveling with her husband. After her husband’s death in 1988, she moved back to Kansas City where her sisters and many old friends lived. During those years, Juanita put her well-honed nursing skills to use volunteering at the Kansas City Rescue Mission. Juanita established a clinic as part of the mission to serve the homeless and was recognized by the community in an extensive article in the Kansas City Star. At the age of 75, she headed out west volunteering for a few months at the Four Corners Navajo reservation, an experience which she treasured and enjoyed sharing. She was pre-deceased by her 4 siblings and one grandson. Surviving are 4 sons and one daughter, Robert E. Dowell and Bill G. Dowell Jr. of Stephens City, VA; David S. Dowell of Houston, TX; John S. Dowell and Elizabeth Dowell Pascoe of Jacksonville, FL; 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, 11/26/2016 at Westminster Canterbury Chapel, 300 Westminster Canterbury Rd., Winchester, VA 22601 with the Reverend Dr. Samuel Pascoe officiating. A reception will follow for friends and family at Westminster Canterbury Commons. Jones Funeral Home of Winchester VA is handling the arrangements regarding her remains. Mrs. Dowell’s ashes will be interred at Ridings Chapel United Methodist Church and a graveside dedication will be attended by family. Memorials may be made to “Doctors without Borders.”