Cora Bell Dowling, 93, passed away Friday, October 16, 2026, at her daughter’s residence in Hoboken, surrounded by her children.
Born August 24, 1933, in Hoboken to the late Moses and Linnie Strickland Griffin, she was a lifelong resident of Brantley County. She was a faithful member of Hoboken Baptist Church, where she worshiped and attended regularly until declining health prevented her from doing so. Throughout her life, she exemplified a true servant’s heart, always willing to give her time and care to others. Whether cooking in the school cafeteria or sitting with and caring for the elderly, she found meaningful ways to serve those around her.
Throughout her life, she was blessed with three marriages and was preceded in death by her husbands, Zelton Davis, Curt Crews and Fred Dowling. In addition to her husbands, she was also preceded in death by her son, Tony Crews; two grandchildren, Luke Joseph Davis and Luke Johns; four sisters, Dorothy Davis O’Steen, Joyce Britt, Doris Fewox-Beck and Karen Griffin and four brothers, Theodore Griffin, Quentin Griffin, Dempsey Griffin and Miller Griffin.
Survivors include her five children, Ronald Davis (Gloria), Hortense, Zelta Manning (Larry), Manningtown, Ann Callahan (Mike), Blackshear, Arlene Hall, Hoboken, and Marlene Pearson (Everett), Hoboken; her daughter-in-law, Hoi Thi Crews, Waycross; nine grandchildren, Dana Bowen (Sean), Jerimey Gibson (Mallory), BJ Hall (Tracy), Krystal Sullivan, Micah Davis, Priscilla Walsh (Cole), Marla Johns, Asia Callahan Boyette (Cord) and Mac Callahan (Davis); 16 great-grandchildren, Nathan Bowen, Bradley Sullivan, Haili Gibson, Rachel Bowen, Mary Hall, Zoie Hester, Cullas Hall, Gemma Bowen, Griffin Walsh, Waylon Gibson, Jamison Gibson, Jerimiah Gibson, Sophia White, Blayden White, Cam Boyette and Mary Mac Callahan; two sisters, Cathryn Strickland and Wanda Hagin; a special friend, Sandra Dean; her devoted caregiver, Shirley Sellers and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Her greatest joys were her family and her cooking. Her family was the center of her world, and she showed her love through countless acts of kindness, care and generosity. She will be lovingly remembered for her unwavering faith, her giving spirit, her wonderful cooking and the deep love she had for her family.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, from the chapel of Frye Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Rowell officiating.
Interment will follow in the Rob Lewis Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be BJ Hall, Micah Davis, Jerimey Gibson, Nathan Bowen, Bradley Sullivan and Cole Walsh.
Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, Georgia 31501.
The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Hospice Satilla for the care and compassion shown to our precious mama.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.
Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.
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