Sharon Kay McDowell age 78 of Strong, AR passed away Saturday, November 15,2025 in her home. Sharon was born on May 11, 1947 in El Dorado, AR to the late William Walker Russell and Joyce Lynn Russell.

After graduation, Sharon moved to Washington DC and worked at the Capitol for the FBI for a year before moving back to Strong, AR where she worked 43 years and retired from Murphy Oil Corporation. Sharon enjoyed watching the Strong football team and served many years as President of the Board at Strong High School. After retirement she traveled to Texas to visit her family and spent most of her time watching her grandsons playing football, soccer and baseball. She was a member of New London Baptist Church where she led the choir and was a Sunday School teacher. Sharon loved singing for the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Brenda Davis; and a brother, Curtis Russell. Survivors include husband, Barry McDowell of Strong, AR; daughters Stefanie Sanchez (Julius) of Plano, TX and Angela McDowell of Ft. Worth, TX; Grandsons William Lane Sanchez and Paul Andrew Sanchez of Plano, TX; Sisters Jo Ann Dollar and Billie Barnes both of Strong, AR.

Funeral services in her honor will be held at 12:00 pm Saturday, November 22, 2025, at New London Baptist Church near Strong, AR, with Bro. Terry Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 am until time of service at the church.

Pallbearers are William Sanchez, Paul Sanchez, Julius Sanchez, Zach Gilmore, William Gilmore, Kyle Barnes, John David Phelps and Alan Knox.