Nola Renee (Slaybaugh) McDowell passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 71 in Sherman, Texas. She was born on February 25, 1954, in Lima, Ohio, to Douglas Theodore Slaybaugh and Patsy Jean (Council) Slaybaugh. On May 7, 1977, Nola married Gary McDowell in Duncanville, Texas. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children.

Nola had a passion for arts and crafts and loved spending time with her grandchildren whom she adored. She was a proud Great Grandmother to Alice McDowell and Scarlett McDowell. She found joy in gardening, curating a unique jewelry collection, especially her earrings—and savoring a strong, black cup of coffee each day. Known for her compassion, Nola was always quick to save a wandering turtle and adored her feline companions.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gary McDowell of Commerce, Texas; her children: Bonnie Kopecky and husband Michael, Richard McDowell and wife Rachel, Damon McDowell and wife Angela, and Meghan Pierce and husband Jeff. Nola was a proud grandmother to Preston McDowell, Rhett McDowell, Reese McDowell, Madelynn McDowell, Harrison McDowell, and Joshua Pierce. She is also survived by her siblings: Doug Slaybaugh, Thad Slaybaugh, Dawn Lyons and husband James, Rhonda Michael, Soine Fisher, brother-in-law, Greg McDowell; and her Five beloved cats: Stripes, 13, Saturn, Maisy Jr. “MJ”, and Twiggy. Nola leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will deeply miss her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Patsy Slaybaugh, brothers JamesTimothy Slaybaugh, Terry Slaybaugh as well as her sister Denise Rankin.