Cleveland, Ohio – Bobby Joe McDowell, 83, died Saturday, May 6, 2023. Son of the late Deacon Hayles and Ozelia McDowell (8th of 10 children), he was a native of Cherokee County.
He received his B.S. in Mathematics from Benedict College, and earned a master’s degree in Mathematics and Administration from Kent State University. After a long career as an educator, he retired from the Cleveland Municipal School District as Principal of West Technical High School. He was baptized at Concord Baptist Church, where he later served as Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon. After making his home in Cleveland, he became a longtime member of East Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board. He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for over 60 years. He was initiated through Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Benedict College, and later served as the President of Zeta Omega Chapter in Cleveland.
He is survived by his former wife, Fannie McDowell; their children, Audrey McDowell and Barbara McDowell; his son, Robert Neal Jefferies (Leecie); one grandson, Rodrick Littlejohn (Tasha); three great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, and dear family friends.
Services were held on Friday, May 19, 2023 at East Mount Zion Baptist Church, 9990 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmsci YVEPsw. Burial was in Cleveland. www.watsonsfuneralhome.com/o bituary/Bobby-McDowell