Gloria Yvonne Batten Dowless went home to her Lord and Savior on February 9, 2023 at Angel House Lower Cape Fear Hospice House, Whiteville, NC.

Gloria was born on February 24, 1944.  She was preceded in death by her parents; Oscar Daniel Batten and Ola Mae Creech Batten, her loving husband of 56 years; James “Levi” Dowless, and her brother; James “Bunny” Batten.

Gloria was a Master Seamstress and delighted in her ability to design and create for others.  She owned The Drapery Shop at Whiteville for 43 years.  She accented many area homes with beautiful custom window treatments, handmade designer pillows, and uniquely planned and created memory quilts.  Gloria was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she served in many capacities.  Her most rewarding act of service was directing Vacation Bible School.

Survivors include: her children; Vickie D. Edwards (Tony) and Patti D. Nance (Jimmy) both of Clarkton, NC, three grandchildren; Christopher Edwards (Leigh) of Wilmington, James Nance of Raleigh and Thomas Nance of Wilmington, a sister; Phyllis Williams (James) of Clarkton, NC, a brother; Charles Batten (Helen) of Sandersville, GA and a special friend; Edward “Pug” Williamson of Chadbourn, NC.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at McKenzie Mortuary Chapel at 2:00 pm with Rev. Coy Long and Rev. Kevin Kinlaw officiating.  Burial will follow in Clarkton Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm at McKenzie Mortuary.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to: Duke Cancer Institute, Sarcoma Cancer Fund, 300 West Morgan Street, Suite 1200, Durham, NC  27701

McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC is serving the Dowless family.