‘He would help anyone': Former council member Arthur Dowdell Sr. dies at 70

Former Auburn City council member Arthur Dowdell Sr., 70, died Thursday, according to his wife, Joyce Dowdell. Joyce Dowdell said her husband preached for over 48 years and was the Ward 1 city councilman for almost 20 years, bringing major change to his ward.

Arthur Dowdell was a bishop of New Testament Potter's House Full Gospel Ministries for over 30 years. Additionally, he was a pastor at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Opelika for 25 years and at Bethel Missionary Church in Clay County for 13 years. He also served in the Army.



“He is a great husband, married to his wife for over 20 years, a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,” Joyce Dowdell said. “He was loved by many because he always showed love to everyone he came across.” Joyce Dowdell said her husband was the voice of the community.

“He would help anyone,” she said. “If anyone is in a crisis, he always would try to be that person to be there with them and to support them; to understand them.” She also praised him has a father.

“He loves them hard; he’s very hard working for his children even when they’re grown,” she said. “He truly pushes them to just do their best.” The day after her husband’s death, Joyce Dowdell made a post on Facebook to thank everyone for the prayer, love and support leading up to his death.

“God bless me with one of the strongest, boldest, God fearing, will help anyone, loving husband’s ever,” the post said. “I thank God for him choosing me to be the wife of such a great man of God, a legend, and so much more! I will miss you forever and always will love you Bishop A. L.

Dowdell Sr.” A celebration service for Arthur Dowdell will be held on Friday at True Deliverance Holiness Church in Auburn at 2 p.m.

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