Emily McPherson Dowell age 82 of Galax, Virginia passed away Wednesday, March 25,2009 in Twin County Regional Hospital. Mrs. Dowell was born in Norfolk, Virginia on September 18, 1926 to Basil Lamb & Nina Raper McPherson. She is survived by her husband Claxton Vance Dowell of Galax, Va. daughter Sherry Stilley of Washington, N.C.; son Ronald Hogge of Michigan; step-daughters & spouses Sue & John Dorson of Rockville, Maryland; Ann & James Cerza; Paige & Frank Spruill all of Kitty Hawk, N.C.; sisters Lillian Murphy & Dorothy Marquart both of Chesapeake, Va.; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 11:00 am in Vaughan-Guynn Chapel with Rev. John Matthews officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from seven until eight at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.