Michele Dowdy Bailey
January 26, 1971 - March 17, 2025
Obituary For Michele Dowdy Bailey
Michele Dowdy Bailey, 54, of Lake Royale / Louisburg, passed away unexpectedly on March 17, 2025, after a long battle with an autoimmune disease and the complications and side effects of her long term treatment and joint replacement during that fight. Michele was born on January 26, 1971, to the late Jacqueline “Jackie” Smith Dowdy and late William “Bill” Dowdy III.
While Michele was not known for her scholastic achievements in high school or at Louisburg College where she gained life-long friends, she was known for her extra-curricular activities until finally Bill and Jackie had enough and made her return home to finish her degree at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh.
However, despite those troubles, Michele went on to gain employment with the NC Division of Motor Vehicles where she recently retired January 1, 2025, after a long and dedicated career in state government. It is said that Michele was well respected and loved by her employees and co-workers while others tolerated her. Typical of being a Dowdy, Michele was stubborn, hard-headed and at times opinionated; however, those who truly knew her, knew she was a caring and loving person. Michele had several affectionate nicknames, including some she didn’t like, given to her by her many friends. Michele loved to socialize with friends, was a lover of animals, especially dogs, watching cooking shows on TV (although she never cooked), talking about work, diet Sundrop with her favorite libation, and Marlboro lights. Over the years, Michele developed many close friends while working with the DMV and while living at Lake Royale in Franklin County.
Michele is survived by her long-time partner, Alan Collie; her brother, Bryan A. Dowdy (Melanie Gibson) of Raleigh; her uncle, Ray Smith (Debbie) of New Bern; and her aunt, Harriet Marcus (Joel) of Raleigh and her last remaining pup, Molly who was her constant companion this past year. Michele’s family would like to thank the entire Collie family for accepting Michele and treating her like family these many years and would like to especially thank Alan for everything during this past year. Her family hopes that every year on St. Patrick’s Day, her friends remember Michele fondly with a smile and chuckle.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for the afternoon of Sunday, May 11th at Lake Royale with more details to come. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Doberman Rescue of the Triad or to your local SPCA.
If desired, condolences and memories may be shared at www.rfhr.com or to Alan Collie or Bryan Dowdy c/o Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615.
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