WILMINGTON — Dorothy Marie McGowan Paul, 90, passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, with her family at her side.
Dorothy was born Oct. 21, 1929, in Wilmington, the daughter of the late Stacy and Alice Inez Stansell McGowan. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Donald; sister, Patricia; and granddaughter, Rebekah Gentry.
Dorothy grew up in Wrightsville Beach and graduated from New Hanover High School. She received her nursing degree from Cape Fear Community College and went on to be a home health nurse for the New Hanover County Health Department for 25 years. She served many years as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She was a founding member of the Unity Christ Church of Wilmington and later rejoined the Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by four daughters, Deborah Paul, Shelley P. Slusser, and her husband, John, Nannette Paul and Lucretia P. Newkirk; three grandchildren, Krishna Williams, and her husband, Paul, Leah Bullard, and her husband, Dayle, and Lauren Leggett; five great-grandchildren, Emily and Walker Williams, Vann and August Bullard and Cameron Leggett; niece, Kristin Duncan, and her husband, Ben; great-nephews, Noah and Dylan Duncan; and nephew, Brad McGowan, and his children, Victoria and Cameron.
She was passionate about her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her much joy.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Pastor Jay Young will officiate the service. Graveside services will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church immediately following services. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
