Joyce Craft Dowis, 94, of Athens, GA. died on November 14, 2024.  Joyce was born on November 4, 1930, in Columbus, GA. to the late Thomas Milton Craft and the late Ivie Motes Craft.  She graduated from Jordan High School in Columbus in 1946 and completed a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in 1982.  She spent her life as a homemaker, substitute teacher, and held a lifetime appointment to the United States Civil Service Commission.  Joyce is proceeded in death by her husband of 63 years, Max R. Dowis and two daughters, Deirdre Dowis of Savannah, and Emily Dowis of Atlanta.  She is survived by a daughter, Dorinda Dowis, of Smiths Station, AL., son, Mays Dowis, of Atlanta, and son, Michael Dowis (Cindy) of Bogart, GA.  She is also survived by a granddaughter, Cathleen Dowis Gay (Grant), of Woodstock, GA., and grandsons, Thomas Dowis (Claire), of Florence, AL., and Nathan Dowis, of Bogart.  Joyce is also survived by a sister, Sue Craft Freeman, of Gainesville, GA., and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, from 6-8PM at Lord and Stephens West Funeral Home, on Jimmy Daniel Road, Watkinsville, GA.  Another visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Fox and Weeks Hodgeson Chapel, Hodgeson Memorial Boulevard, Savannah from 10-11AM followed by funeral services at 11:00AM in the Fox and Weeks Chapel with internment at Greenwich Cemetery at Bonaventure, Savannah. 

Joyce was a member of Oglethorpe Avenue Church of Christ, Athens, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.     

Local arrangements by Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, West, Watkinsville, GA. www.lordandstephens.com

Arrangements in Savannah, GA are by Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, Savannah, GA. www.foxandweeks.com