It is with great sadness that the family of Elsie McDowell Knauff of Ooltewah, Tennessee, announce her passing on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Born in Phenix City, Al., on Nov. 19, 1925, Elsie was the daughter of the late Marvin and Ada Vick, and graduated from Central High School. She enjoyed a career as a switchboard operator, going on to retire from the State of Tennessee. Elsie’s life centered on being a wife and mother, and in her earlier years, she was active in her Baptist church and its Girl’s Auxiliary. She lived in Florida for a few years before returning to Chattanooga, which she always considered home. Traveling was a special pastime for her, and she was fortunate to have visited several international destinations.
Elsie was the widow of Ollie M. McDowell, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage, as well as her second husband Charles Knauff.
She is survived by her sons, Tommy (Jean) McDowell, Ooltewah, and Gary (Susan) McDowell, Jamestown; grandsons Michael (Melissa) McDowell, Spring Hill, Jason (Amber) McDowell,
Alexandria, Va., and Kris McDowell McDonald; brother, Jack (Marie) Vick, Chickamauga, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank everyone at Life Care Center of Ooltewah, who took special care of Elsie the last few years, and appreciation is especially extended to Isaac and Meghan with The Hearth Hospice.
Due to public health concerns, the family has respectfully decided to forego public visitation.
Family and close friends will gather at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens, South with Pastor Travis Rodger officiating and Melissa McDowell delivering the eulogy.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences to the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations may be mailed to Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.