Renee B. Dowell-Covington

A limb has fallen from the Family Tree as Renee Beatrice Dowell-Covington a mom, grandmother, a cousin, a devoted niece, and a friend to many went to rest eternally Wednesday, December 9, 2020.

Like a seed planted in the fertile soil she flourished as the only child born June 30, 1952 to Emma Evelyn Dowell, who preceded her in death.

A flower always has an official name, the same as Renee, but as we affectionately called her Kuuki (Cookie), we find short names unique to only them.
Renee’s growth began in those early years in Detroit Michigan as a 1970 graduate of Mumford High School when she actively participated in the civil liberties movement. From there she continued her education at TSU while sometimes carrying her firstborn son, Imani in a backpack to classes not because no one would keep him, but because she wanted to nurture him in his early months.

Like the philodendron vines spreading their beauty, her first position as a receptionist, lasting 16 years was on Music City Row and this job truly revealed not only her love of all people, but her unique skills to make all enjoy her presence. As she supported her second son, Carlton thru college her reputation as a fun loving social but uniquely creative being became grounded in all who knew her. As Renee or Kuuki, no matter what you call this flower she was still the same beautiful creative soul.

Deciding to retire is never an easy decision, most when ready at a minimum are glad to leave the stress. Not Renee’, she pondered long about the 28 years with her “Y” family, wondering what her Seniors would do without her, commenting about their lack of activity during COVID. She was not only surprised by how big her retirement party was, but she took a great deal of pride in knowing they wanted to keep her desk the same and left the door opened for her to use it whenever she wanted.

Toni her devoted cousin, once commented only “Kuuki” would run into an old boyfriend and marry him. The love Dorris Covington and Kuuki shared was sealed by marriage in 2005. The two years since DC preceded her in death were filled with her deciding to stay active and love God (painted on her house) more because she commented that DC knows I need to move around to not be worrying about him, but I still listen to Old School Music as if he’s still here.

Left to Cherish her memory as her pride and joy are two sons, both honors college graduates, Imani Abdul-Kushawn (Portia Nicole) Dowell-Simmons, Texas and Carlton Devandus (Debbie Lanee’) Dowell, Goodlettsville, TN. Cora Sanaa Dowell-Simmons her only granddaughter just recently shared her 18th birthday with her grandmother thru FB. Elijah Kushawn Dowell-Simmons her only grandson loved her hugs and will miss her annual Thanksgiving visits to Texas. Her only Uncle J Leon Dowell, Hampton VA relied on her for recipes and her Aunt Betty Ann Thompson, Nashville, TN will truly miss all her creative meals she delivered several times a week. Her aunt Velma Louis Dowell, Detroit MI, cherished her memory of spending the weekend at her house.

Her Cousins, Family and many Friends will grieve her loss hard only because she loved hard.

Walk Through of Friends will be held Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 12 noon - 2:00 p.m. at Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors.