Shirley Kay (Norris) McDowell

Shirley Kay McDowell, 81, of Muncie, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27th, in her residence at Cedar Creek of Muncie, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on October 10, 1944, in Hamilton, Ohio. She married Sanford Eurie McDowell on June 1, 1968.

Shirley filled many roles throughout her life, including student, wife, teacher, mom, and grandma. She was a graduate of College Corner’s Union High School Class of 1962, and went on to complete both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. She was widely known as “Mrs. McDowell” by many from her nearly 40 years as a teacher in College Corner, Kitchel, and Liberty, Indiana, and as a substitute teacher in Muncie, Indiana, after her retirement. While Shirley loved all of her students, she always held a special place in her heart for her kindergarten kids.

She was known to “rarely be on time, but always be there.” Shirley spent a lot of time doing games, crafts, and of course, baking with her grandkids as they were growing up, and always made sure each holiday was celebrated with a big family meal. Shirley and Sanford proudly visited all fifty states and nine countries together. They were active members of Liberty Church of Christ and Harvest Christian Church.

Shirley never met a stranger. Her outgoing personality, generous heart, and love of the kitchen led to many hours of conversation around her dinner table. She could often be found baking cookies and other desserts, a hobby that was deliciously enjoyed by those around her. She also loved her sewing and quilting projects, some of which she even finished.

She is survived by her brother, Dale (Bev) Norris; sons, Steve (Heather) McDowell, Scott (Adrienne) McDowell, and Tony (Eva-Katrine) Miller; and six grandchildren, Sarah (Aiden), Hannah (Ethan), Carter, Jordan, Noelle (Alex), and Seth. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephews, friends, family, and her beloved cat, Boots.

She was preceded in death by Sanford, her husband of 56 years, and her parents, Roy and Opal (Grimme) Norris.

A celebration of life service will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Harvest Christian Church, 1010 E. Centennial Ave, Muncie, IN, at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will be held prior from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Cedar Creek of Muncie Assisted Living for offering such exceptional grace and intentional care to Shirley during her time with them.

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