Ollie Joanne Dowda

•Ollie Joanne “Anne” Dowda•

Ollie Joanne “Anne” Dowda, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 76.

Anne was born on November 7, 1949, in Eustis, Florida, to Samuel Williams and Reba Abritton. She made her home in High Springs, Florida, where she built a life centered around family, love, and the people who meant the most to her.

Anne was preceded in death by her brother, Johnny (Lee) Dickerson and survived by her sister, Carolyn Gilliard and brother, Wayne Williams. Anne was the devoted wife of Thomas Dowda, with whom she shared 46 incredible years of marriage. She was a devoted mother to Robert (Earlene) Cribbs, Pamela (Matthew) Trawick, and Angela (Jerry) Parnell.

But perhaps the greatest joy of Anne’s life was being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She leaves behind nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren, who were truly her whole world. She loved each of them more than words could express and treasured every moment she was able to spend with them.

Anne had a love for the Florida Gators and yelling “Go Gators” at any Florida State fan. She had a deep love for all animals, but her heart held a special place for horses and the joy she found in horseback riding.

To know Anne was to know someone who loved deeply and cherished her family above all else. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, love, and countless moments that her family will hold close to their hearts forever.

Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave so freely will continue through everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

She was a beautiful blessing in the lives of so many and she will be loved and missed forever.