Rachel Henson Dowdy

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch Rachel Henson Dowdy, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly on July 20, 2026. She was 77. Born on October 29, 1948, in Weir, Mississippi, to George and Lexie Bright Henson, Rachel excelled in school, earning honors and participating in track, band, and as a drum majorette. She graduated from Weir High School in 1966, where she was named Most Beautiful and Miss Weir High School. After graduation, Rachel moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she attended Memphis State University before completing laboratory technician training at Baptist Hospital. She worked as a lab technician before building a successful career in medical sales, serving the Memphis medical community for more than fifty years. Rachel was a devoted wife and mother, and perhaps her favorite role was as grandmother to her four grandchildren, who lovingly called her Rach. She never missed an opportunity to encourage them or cheer them on at their many sporting events, performances, and activities. She expressed her love by creating perfect family gatherings and magical holidays, thoughtfully including each grandchild’s favorite starch and dessert on every menu. Always putting others before herself, she never hesitated to help those in need. She was a natural caretaker, tending to her garden and home the tireless way she cared for her family and friends. For more than 50 years, Rachel was a faithful member of Broadway Baptist Church. She shared her gift of hospitality by serving in the church kitchen, delivering food to church members, and accompanying friends to medical appointments. Rachel’s work ethic was unmatched. She was a doer who never expected others to do for her. She lived a life of remarkable authenticity and quiet service and loved those close to her fiercely. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lexie Bright Henson; and her two brothers, Lenwood and Paul Henson. Rachel is survived by her husband of 56 years, Mike Dowdy of Olive Branch; two daughters, Kelley (Jesse) Pinion of Oxford, Mississippi, and Kim (Mark) Sorgenfrei of Memphis, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Spencer Norris and Graham, Lucy, and Harper Sorgenfrei; and her sister, Becca Henson Pearson. Friends are invited to a visitation with the family on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Broadway Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow at 12:30 p.m. A private burial will be held at Memorial Park Southwoods. In lieu of traditional flowers, memorials may be made to Broadway Baptist Church at www.broadwaychurch.org. Online Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.

Rachel Henson Dowdy

October 29, 1948 - July 20, 2026

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