Sue Ann McDowell

Sue A. (Homan) McDowell, 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Sue was a devoted wife, mother, sister, educator, and friend whose kind spirit and joy for life touched everyone who knew her.

Born on July 20, 1950, in Celina, Ohio, Sue was the daughter of Veronica (Schulze) and Wilfred “Shorty” Homan. After graduating from high school, she attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Library Science—degrees that allowed her to share her lifelong love of reading with countless children over the years.

Sue met the love of her life, Jeff McDowell, at a Tall Club Convention, and the two married three years later. Their love never wavered throughout 43 wonderful years together. Life took them between Texas and Ohio before they finally settled in College Station, where they raised their two children, Patrick and Megan.

Sue enjoyed a rewarding 30-year career as a librarian and educator, with the last 15 years spent in her dream position at Oakwood Intermediate School in College Station. There, she found immense joy in helping every child discover “the right book,” hoping to inspire in them the same lifelong love of reading that shaped her own life.

Beyond her career, Sue had a zest for life and adventure. She loved cruising with her family, seeking out the best roller coasters wherever she went, and had a special fondness for giraffes—collecting them over the years as symbols of grace and wonder. Sue also loved playing Bingo Blitz, where she made friends across the world.

Sue is survived by her husband, Jeff McDowell; her children, Patrick (Caysie) McDowell and Megan (Daniel) Shorter; her “grand-puppies” Nala, Bolt, and Nebula; and her sisters and brother: Arlene (Bill) Pugh, Ginny (Lee) Highfill, JoAnn Homan, Mary (Bob) Moore, Rita (Barry) Anderson, and Ted (Paloma) Homan. She is also lovingly remembered by ten nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan, Texas, from 2:00–4:00 PM and 6:00–8:00 PM on Thursday, October 23rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 2541 Earl Rudder Freeway, College Station, on Friday, October 24th at 10:00 AM.

In celebration of Sue’s joyful spirit, she requested that guests wear colorful attire rather than black.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local elementary/intermediate school library to support the purchase of books, or to a memorial trust the family plans to establish to foster a love of reading in children. Details will be shared once available.

The McDowell family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to all the friends who have offered love and support during this difficult time, to the compassionate team at MD Anderson Hospital, especially Dr. Madhulika Eluri, and to Hospice Brazos Valley, especially Sara, Katy, and Sheila, for their exceptional care. Express condolences to the family at www.CallawayJones.com.