Mason Dowdy

KEVIL, Ky. -- Mason Delaney Dowdy, 16, of Kevil went to rest in her Heavenly Father's arms at 5:36 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

Known for her quick wit and wacky sense of humor, Mason had a smile and laugh that could light up a room. Barefoot and free-spirited, it wasn't unusual to find Mason strumming on her guitar and singing under a tree. She lived life passionately, often being described by her friends as the "life of the party." If you were at a sleepover with Mason Dowdy, you can be assured that there wasn't a lot of sleep involved!

Mason loved to paddleboard, hike and hunt, along with various other adventurous outdoor activities. She had a passion for art and loved to paint and draw and spend time at her beloved beach.

In 2014, Mason went on her first mission trip to Uganda. The African children captured a piece of her heart and had a profound impact on her.

Mason was a sophomore at McCracken County (Kentucky) High School, an active member of the soccer team, track team, swim team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Campus Huddle. She attended First Baptist Church of Paducah, Kentucky, as an active member of the youth group. Summers were spent attending church camp with her youth group, serving as an FCA Power Camp Huddle Leader and attending FCA Leadership Camp with her school friends.

Mason is survived by her parents, Craig and Leigh Dowdy of Kevil; her younger sister, Maggie; and younger brother, Jake, both at home. She also leaves her maternal grandparents, Larry and Carol Waddle of Delta, and her paternal grandfather and stepgrandmother, Larry and Kaye Dowdy of Kevil, and paternal grandmother, Margaret Leonard, and stepgrandfather, Will Leonard of Paducah. She also is survived by her great-grandmothers, Lyda Mae Dowdy of Kevil, Bonnie Sue Knight of Paducah, Billie Hunt of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Genevieve Wills of Advance, Missouri. She is survived by several aunts, an uncle and a sweet group of cousins.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Paducah, 2890 Broadway.

The funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday in the church sanctuary.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the West Kentucky Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as it was such an impactful part of her life. Envelopes will be available at the visitation and funeral. Donations also may be mailed to West Kentucky FCA, P.O. Box 8206, Paducah, KY 42002, or made online at www.westkyfca.org/donate.

You may leave a message or light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.

Arrangements were provided by Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.