Rev. Dr. Elizabeth “Elsie Faye” Coleman Dowdy, known for her love of horses and commitment to helping others, passed away at the age of 84. Although she never rode horses, she enjoyed exercising them by walking them around her ranch in the High Desert. As a pastor, she dedicated her life to saving people and providing shelter and care for many cats at her Sage Blossom House, which she believed was a divine calling.
Dr. Dowdy was also known for her dislike of snakes, often patrolling her 10-acre property. A particularly close encounter with a rattlesnake ended when she returned to find it dead a week later. Dr. Dowdy believed she had shed her earthly body and returned to her spiritual origins.
A lifelong friend, Bernice Lytle, described Dr. Dowdy as an honest and studious person, providing spiritual counsel and encouragement throughout their decades-long friendship. “She was an encourager,” Lytle noted, emphasizing Dr. Dowdy’s seriousness about her faith and her ability to relate scripture to everyday life.
Dr. Dowdy was a trailblazer who lived in a large tent on her ranch, showcasing her survivalist spirit long before it gained popularity. Her history includes serving as a medic in the Women’s Army Corps during the 1950s. A devoted Christian since childhood, she was active in the Trinity Broadcasting Network and served as an editor and journalist, addressing social injustices through her work with the Precinct Reporter.
Brian Townsend, the editor and publisher of the Precinct Reporter, acclaimed Dr. Dowdy for her dedication to covering local community events and her caring nature, especially as a prayer warrior. He shared personal experiences of how she offered comfort during his times of grief.
Dr. Dowdy was passionate about addressing the violence against young Black men, actively participating in a prayer group formed in response to the Trayvon Martin case. Despite facing skepticism as a woman in ministry, she remained steadfast in her calling as a pastor, running her clothing business alongside her deeper spiritual mission.
Her teachings at the Lion of Judah Worship Center reflected her belief in active spiritual growth through Bible study, worship, and prayer. She had a unique talent for simplifying complex theological concepts and addressed societal issues such as racism with conviction.
Rochelle Williams, a long-time friend, admired Dr. Dowdy’s vibrant personality and her ability to unite people from various backgrounds. Even in her later years, she engaged in activities like opening a clothing boutique, demonstrating that age was no barrier to her dynamic engagement with life.
Dianne Anderson, a colleague at the Precinct Reporter, shared how Dr. Dowdy consistently offered encouragement and wisdom during challenging times, reminding others to embrace love in their hearts.
A memorial service was held for Dr. Dowdy on August 28 at Emmanuel Temple CME in Victorville. Her burial with full military honors is scheduled for August 29 at the Los Angeles National Cemetery.