Emily Davis McDowell Steed

Emily Davis McDowell Steed, 96, of LaCrosse, VA passed away “to see my Jesus” on May 15, 2025. Emily was born January 5, 1929 to her parents, James McClellan and Bettie Matthews Davis in Dolphin, VA. She was preceded in death by her parents; five siblings, Richard, Jane, Ann, Howard and Ott; two husbands, F. C. “Tip” McDowell, Jr. and R. Herbert Steed; a step-son, Harrison Steed, and her beloved baby, John Floyd McDowell.

Emily is survived by her children, Chandra (Stephen) Rose and Joe (Brenda) McDowell; her step-children Virginia (Donald) Crane, Janice (Evan) Lewis, and Charles Steed; eight grandchildren, Justin (Aubrey) Rose, Kirstin (Chase) Nielsen, Amanda (Joe) Whitby, Alana (Nate) Jaime, Jason (Karen) Crane, Adam (Charlotte) Crane, Kathryn (Cliff) Genthon, and Forrest Steed; 18 great-grandchildren Jake, Taylor, Olivia, Riley, Miriam, Rebekah, Michael, Peyton, Emily, Jonathan, Naomi, Gabriel, Micah, Steed, Blair, Davis, Eloise, and Camilla; and many nieces and nephews.

Emily loved and cared deeply and was wholeheartedly devoted to her family, church, and friends. She welcomed visits, cards, and calls. She loved gardening, needlework, and serving. She was a teacher at her “Happy House” kindergarten, at church (FBC/South Hill and Bethel UMC), and at home. She was the truest example of her strong and constant faith in our eternal God and she is now pain free and rejoicing in the heavenly presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be held at Bethel United Methodist Church, 45 Church St, Alberta, VA on Sunday, May 18 at 3PM. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Crestview Memorial Park in LaCrosse, VA.

Memorial contributions can be made to Feed More, 8020 Villa Park Dr, Richmond, VA 23228. Note “In memory of Emily Steed” on your correspondence.