Brenda Kay Dowdell, 67, of Dunlap, passed away peacefully at home with her husband and granddaughter by her side at 6:31 am Wednesday, August 18, 2021. She was born April 22, 1954 in Peoria, IL to the late Clinton and Nellie Simmons McIntyre. She was also preceded in death by seven siblings, Bill, Don, Fonis, Wallace, Larry, Barb and Virginia. She married Steven Dowdell on October 16, 1999. He survives. Also surviving are six children, CJ (Marie) Smith, Chris Smith, Chad Smith, Brett (Angie) Smith, Chris (Leslie) Dowdell, Brad (Tammy) Dowdell; 18 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and beloved extended family members and friends in various states. Brenda was the family matriarch, the knot that held everything and everyone together. Family meant the world to her, so it was only fitting that she ran the Simmons family reunion for 25 years. Her true passion was cooking for her family/friends and anyone blessed to know her, knew her favorite pastime was shopping! A special thank you to our granddaughter, Lexy Sullivan, for her outstanding care for Brenda. Lexy was with Brenda virtually every day and numerous nights providing compassion and care the entire time Brenda was sick. She was a godsend to us all. Her funeral service will be at 1pm Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Visitation will be from 11am to 1pm on Saturday August 28th prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Chillicothe City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to Easter Seals.