Janet K. Dowell, 78, passed away at her home in Fulton on Monday, August 16, 2021.  She was born to the late Dorsey Shouse and Helen Shouse in Mexico on February 16, 1943.    She was married on April 14, 1963 to Ronald M. Dowell, who preceded her in death.

Janet was trained to be what was then known as a beautician.  She worked in Mexico at the Harris Barber and Beauty Shop on Promenade.  After marrying Ron, she settled in to the life of a farm wife on their family farm between Mexico and Paris.  Janet enjoyed keeping a large garden, fishing, and helping with farm chores, though she continued to style hair for neighbors, family and friends.  She and Ron traveled often with their daughters and enjoyed sightseeing across the USA when time and farm season allowed.

When their three daughters were older, Janet took a job with the Missouri Department of Corrections, working for nineteen years. Most of that time was as a guard in the women's prison near Vandalia.  She rose to the rank of Major.  Upon retirement, she was awarded a commendation by the Missouri Legislature for good and faithful service rendered to the state.  In later years, she enjoyed crafting and loved creating special themed arrangements for family and friends.

Janet had a determined spirit and strength of character that helped see she and Ron through tough times and good, but she was also a tender hearted and giving friend and good neighbor to all.  She was a loving daughter, sibling, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother.

Janet is survived by her daughters, Lisa Dowell of Mexico, Missy Dowell of the Maldives, and Dana Dowell of Atlanta; along with grandson, Dwight Taylor (Katie) of Mexico; and great grandchildren, Claire, Jacob and Brandon. She is also survived by three siblings, Jim Shouse of Mexico, Linda Christopher of Fulton, and John Shouse (Janet) of Franklin, TN; and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial donations can be made to The Arc Tennessee, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37228-1213 or online at www.thearctn.org.

Private family services will be in East Lawn Memorial Park.