Nancy Jo Dowell

 Nancy Jo Dowell, age 58, formerly of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Windsor Place Senior Living in Sigourney, Iowa.  She was born January 6, 1963 in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Larry and Rebecca Adair Dowell.  On May 30, 1998, she married Joel Popp.  They later divorced.
Nancy was a 1981 graduate of Southern High School in Stronghurst.  She attended Northeast Missouri State University and Western Illinois University, where she studied hotel and motel management.  She graduated from Bill Hill School Of Cosmetology in 1987 and enjoyed cutting and styling hair her whole life.  She was a manager at Big Muddy’s in Burlington as well as serving as office manager for Budget Lighting Company.  Before her illness, she was secretary for the Lutheran Church in Monmouth, Illinois.  Nancy was a caretaker by nature, and enjoyed the time spent helping her grandfather before his passing in 2017.  She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed sharing her treats with others.  She was a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth.
Survivors include her mother, of Stronghurst, and siblings; Natalie (Mark) Schmitt of Rice, MN, Barry (Terri) Dowell of Stronghurst, and Amy (Joe) Thompson of Berwick, IL.  She was the proud aunt of Jon, Michael, Katie, Austin, Caleb, Abby, Carly, and Alec.  She is also survived by special aunts; Mary Walters and Linda Adair, and a dear friend; Phil Butler.  She was preceded in death by her father, grandparents, uncles, and cousins.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday August 17, 2021 in the Stronghurst Cemetery.  Friends may call as they desire from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Monday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst.  A memorial fund has been established for Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth, Illinois.  Please visit Nancy’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.