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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Condolences

March 25, 2025

Marsha Harris

Michele was one of the genuine people in NCDMV. I will always treasure her pep talks with a smile. Rest in power and peace Michele.
March 20, 2025

Linda Lyons

Michele, was my supervisor she was so kind and loveable. Rest in Peace Michele your work here on Earth is done.May You rest in the arms of our Lord. Linda Lyons
March 20, 2025

Brenda Rodwell-King

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Michele. She was my first manager at the DMV about eleven years ago, and I will always remember her kindness, wisdom, and the warmth she brought to every interaction. Her knowledge and dedication were inspiring, and her smile had a way of brightening even the busiest days. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the memories of her compassion and joy bring you comfort and peace.
March 20, 2025

Sherry Norris
March 20, 2025

La’Krish Mayes

Michele to hear of your unexpected passing saddens me. You were a great person and manager. You will truly be missed!
March 20, 2025

Roneisha Burch

Ms. Michele was my Manager when I worked at the DMV Raleigh/Rocky Mount call center. She always looked out for me especially around the time I got married and when I was pregnant. I will miss her . I'm sending my condolences to her family! Mrs. Burch
March 19, 2025

Vanessa Howard-Daniels

Condolences and prayers to the family, Michele and I work together for a long time, hung out together from time to time and was also my manager at one time also; RIP my friend Vanessa Howard Daniels
March 19, 2025

Debbie Brewer

I loved Michele, Brian and her Dad. I worked with Michele at DMV for many years and always shared laughs with her. Rest in peace with Mom and Dad💕♥️😢
March 19, 2025

Sherry Lee

Michele was always willing to help with any situation whether it was dealing with work or personal. She endured health issues but you never saw her show any negativity..she carried on strong for many years. I am so grateful that I was able to work with her for many years before I retired. Sending prayers to her family.
March 19, 2025

Tonya Barnes

To hear of this was more than shock! Michele was one of the kindest souls I have ever met! Although we worked together, we had the best laughs as if we were sitting on the beach! Rest well My Dear Friend , you will forever be in my heart! Tonya J. Barnes
March 19, 2025

Jenny Wilder Matthews

Michele was a great friend and loved my cousin, Alan, in the way he needed to be loved. Her sassy self would always have us laughing and smiling. Our family welcomed her with open arms! She loved us all like we loved her! ChellBell you will be so missed! Love, Jeremy and Jenny
March 19, 2025

Director Mike Newsome and the Driver Services Team

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Michele. She was a wonderful colleague and friend to all of us, and her warmth and dedication will be profoundly missed. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy,
March 19, 2025

Sharolyn logan

Our deepest sympathy The Logan/Anderson family
March 19, 2025

Michelle Johnson

Michele I will truly miss you. We started out together in License and Theft an remained long time friends.
March 19, 2025

Eve Slade

🕊️ My deepest condolences to the Family. Michele was my Supervisor, also she responded to my FB Friend request right away. I feel sadden with the news and will miss her. 🙏🏻
March 19, 2025

Tammy Carlisle

Go rest in peace my friend. I will always remember the good times we use to share in all the countless meetings we attended together especially during the tag and tax implementation. You always made those meetings fun sometimes to the point that we would get called out for cutting up and not paying attention. You will truly be missed.
March 19, 2025

Debbie Howell

Prayers and hugs to the family ❤️ you will be missed ❤️.
March 19, 2025

Pattie Moore

Allen and Family I am sincerely sorry to hear of Michelle's passing, praying for your comfort. With Love from Pattie Moore
March 19, 2025

Amanda Cooke

Interesting reading this obituary because the few times we were lucky enough to be in her home, Michele was one of the nicest people I know! We all have our stubborn sides. May she rest in peace. Amanda and Guy Cooke
March 19, 2025

Amy May

Michele will be truly missed, she was my supervisor when I worked at DMV always cutting up and having fun rest in peace my dear friend love you and will miss you
March 19, 2025

Kara Hoy (Coman)

Bryan and family, I'm so sorry to read about Michele passing. If you need anything please reach out. I know she's up there with your parents and mine! Love, Kara (Coman)
March 19, 2025

Kenyatta Davis-Fox

Michele You will tremendously be missed, every morning I walk by your office my heart breaks. You truly brighten up many of my days and I'm glad I met such a sweet person as you. No more pain You are Free.. I will always love and remember you.