Obituary of Naoma G. McDowell

Naoma G. McDowell (nee Gressman) died on Saturday, May 6, 2016 at Inspira Health Network, following an extended illness. Born in Bridgeton, New Jersey on April 4, 1930 to the late Edna (nee West) and Earl Gressman, Sr., she was the wife of the late Leon A. McDowell, Sr. (Bud), predeceased her on October 29, 1990. Naoma and Leon were married on February 12, 1949 and they lived in Hopewell Township for the remainder of their lives. She was a life-long member of the Berean Baptist Temple of Bridgeton. Naoma was employed as a switchboard operator at the Bridgeton Hospital from 1945 to 1951, and as a cafeteria worker and manager at the Hopewell Township Schools from September 1967 until June of 2015 when she retired. She is survived by two children, Kathleen Peterson (Greg) and David McDowell and was predeceased by a son, Leon A. McDowell, Jr. (1970). She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Shanna and Amy Peterson and Leon McDowell III and David McDowell, Jr. and Markie Schafer, as well as 4 great grandchildren, Sydney Anderson (Amy), Owen and Molly O’Neal (Shanna), Dalila McDowell (David, Jr.). Naoma was also predeceased by 4 brothers, Carl H. Gressman, Earl Gressman, Jr., Edward Gressman, Sr. and John Gressman, II. She is survived by one sister, Anita Rieti of Upper Deerfield Township and many nephews and nieces and their families. Funeral services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. on Friday, May 13th at 11 am. Interment will take place at Overlook Cemetery in Bridgeton. Friends will be received from 10 am to 11 am, prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Naoma’s memory be made to the Berean Baptist Temple, Fayette & Vine Streets, Bridgeton. Written condolences may be sent to the family at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.