Jerry L. McDowell

Jerry L. McDowell, 69, of Harrisburg, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 3, 2024. He was born March 15, 1955, the son of the late Fred McDowell, Jr., and the late Mattie Lee Kates. Jerry was born and raised in Shelby, North Carolina and attended Shelby High School. He moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the late 1970s. Jerry worked at Harrisburg Hospital for over 12 years and at Penn State Middletown for over 25 years before retiring in 2017.

He is survived by sons Nakia Jeffries (Romance) and Davious Jeffries, his grandchildren Pashion, Kyree, James, Davious Jr. Chyna, and his brother, Kenneth McDowell, all of Harrisburg. His uncles John Lockett (Beatrice) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Willie McDowell (Donna), all of North Carolina; his aunts Dorothy Woods (WiII) and Lola Gentry, Inez Johnson (Don), and Ruth Parker (Rufus), all of North Carolina and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Beatrice and Carlise Lockett; his uncles, James and Donald Lockett; his aunt, Minnie Sue Watson; his brother, Ricky McDowell; and his sisters, Delores McDowell and Eyvonne McDowell.

Jerry loved sports. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and a huge fan of LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. He also loved watching tennis and golf on TV.

Anyone who knew Jerry knew that he was a great friend. Jerry loved entertaining family and friends. He did not spare any expense and was known for his family gatherings and cookouts. Jerry loved laughter, and he would always tell a funny joke.

Jerry truly embraced life. He loved to spend his weekends playing cards with his loved ones, and his passion for collecting led to a remarkable collection of African art and figurines.

Jerry's love for life was also evident in his love for music and dance. He was never shy about sharing his dance moves, often to the tunes of his favorite artist, Tupac Shakur. But above all, his greatest joy came from his role as a father and grandfather.

Please keep the McDowell Family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.