Grace M. Champlin Dowdell

Grace M. Champlin Dowdell sixty plus years ago when they were young, Grace created hand-made frilly dresses for her two daughters, Eletha and Denise. Grace could tailor. Her husband and girls’ father came out of Cincinnati; his name was James B. Dowdell. A drunk driver made her a young widow. Although Grace traveled some, she was a townie. She had her own business, Gracie’s Beauty Shop, which serviced the Narragansett Indian, local and visiting summer communities of color. During her lifetime, she was the church organist / pianist at the Narragansett Indian Church, the Nazarene, Pleasant Street Baptist and Church of God. She gave piano lessons to interested community youth, made time for others, and encouraged those seeking to continue their schooling. After finishing childrearing, Grace attained a B.A. and a Masters of Social Work from U.R.I., was involved in VISTA, the R.I. Advisory Committee on Aging, the Commission for Minority Affairs and long years of service in the Tribe. She made good eating pies, pound cakes, and ice cream. Her father, Stone Hatchet, was Cassius A. Champlin and her mother, Miss Lillian (Hazard) Champlin. Their four children, which included Jennie, Arthur, Wilfred and Grace, are now all deceased. Collectively, their children, their offspring and their offspring carry yesterday into today and tomorrow. Grace was born on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 1923. After a journey with Alzheimer’s, her transition from this life took place with quiet dignity, at home, in loving family arms. Many heartfelt thanks to the knowledgeable, steadfast support of some remarkable nurses, CNAs and a social worker who have committed themselves to hospice care. It was a sweet sorrow September 2, 2016. The last several years of Grace’s journey became a routine of quietude; this routine created a stillness in time and space that would not supplant easily so a quiet, low-keyed remembrance took place on Friday September 9, 2016. In time, life experiences include final goodbyes to deeply loved ones, and then the mind’s eye must remember with love tucked in the heart.