Regina Rhea McDowell

Regina Rhea McDowell Regina Rhea McDowell 67, was born Feb. 5, 1957 in Okarche Oklahoma. She died on April 27, 2024 at Norman Regional Hospital after a long illness, surrounded by family that adored her as much as she did them. Regina was the second child of Ellen and Eugene McDowell. Regina spent most of her childhood in the Yukon Oklahoma area attending Yukon High school and later acquiring her GED. From 1992 to 1994 Regina attended Murray State College graduating with a degree in Computer Data. She was a longtime employee of Delta Community Action as a computer tech up until she was forced to retire for health reasons. In 1980 Regina married Billy Ray Short. From this union they had two children. Donavan R. Short and Kristina R. Avery. Donavan married Jessica Bundy in 1997 and gave Regina her first two grandchildren, Marina and Jazmyn. Kristina married and gave Regina her last three grandchildren, Colton, Blake and Allyson. This is where Regina received her most prized title that she so proudly boasted as "Mema". Regina later was blessed with four great grandchildren. Marina had three children, Kade, Kruz and Kamille. Jazmyn recently gave birth to Miguel. Regina is also expecting her fifth great grandchild in November from Blake (Dara). Regina also had two siblings, Janyce Rhoads (Stan) and Bradley McDowell (Kay). Her siblings made her an aunt to 7 nieces and nephews. Janyce had five children, Carly Gilkerson (James), Jason Skoch (Karen), Clay Skoch, Daniel Skoch, and Bryan Rhoads. Bradley had two children, Jason McDowell and John McDowell. Several of Regina's nieces and nephews made her a great aunt to thirteen great nieces and nephews. Regina was preceded in death by her grandparents, Murvil and Mary McDowell and Bryan and Daisy Moberly. Her husband Billy Short, and her father Eugene McDowell. She is survived by her mother, Ellen Grossman of Oklahoma City, Ok; Her children, Donavan and Jessica Short of Slaughterville, Ok., Kristina and John Avery of Lexington, Ok., Her sister Janyce and Stan Rhoads of Piedmont, Ok., Her brother Bradley and Kay McDowell of Oklahoma City, Ok. Five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, seven nieces and nephews and thirteen great nieces and nephews. Her best friend and soul sister, and God Parent of Donavan and Kristina, of 50 years, Ramona Craig-Thompson of Oklahoma City, Ok. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday May 4, 2024 at Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell, Ok. Flowers and memorials can be sent to Wilson-Little funeral Home in Purcell, Ok.

Regina Rhea McDowell

February 5, 1957 - April 27, 2024