Bishop George Lee Dowell

Bishop George Lee Dowell of Danville, IL, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026 at the age of 78. He was born on August 7, 1947 to D.C. and Alberta C. Dowell in Atoka, Tennessee. After graduating High School from Danville High, he joined the Navy and was honorably discharged

October 18, 1972. He returned to Danville, IL. to begin his career working at the Danville Veterans Administration Medical Center as a Nursing Assistant and Substance Abuse Counselor. He later become a Deputy Sheriff, worked as a Supervisor at Wyman Gordon, and later became an employee of the Danville Correctional Center. He excelled at the Danville Correctional Center and retired in the position as a 3rd Shift Supervisor/Captain. After his retirement, he was hired as a bailiff for the Vermilion County Circuit Court of the 5th Judicial Court for approximately 13 years.

During his career, he returned to school as an adult learner and earned an Associate’s Degree in Police Science. George served as a Civic Center Board member, Martin Luther King Jr, Scholarship Committee member, and finally a Board of Fire & Police Commissioners board member.

George married Shanae Camille Street on September 14, 1973, and they shared 53 wonderful years together. George enjoyed spending quality time with his entire family and was best known for preaching the gospel, his kindness, humble spirit, and most of all his endless jokes. His sense of humor was simply unique. George also enjoyed reminiscing about his days as an elite Football, Basketball, and Track Star at Danville High School. He dedicated 50 years of his life to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was ordained in 1976 and served as the minister at Collett Street Church of Christ for 30 years. Bishop Dowell evangelized and served as Interim Pastor for many ministries for approximately 7 years.

He later founded the 21st Century Christian Worship Center in 2013 and served as the administrator overseeing the entire workings of the church. He trained and ordained many individuals who are now successfully serving in the ministry. Bishop Dowell worked a full-time job while maintaining the church and donated his salary to the youth department and others in need.

George also known as Tae Tae is survived by his wife, Shanae C. Dowell, children Cicely M. Knight (Christopher), Asha M. Dowell, Ryan W. Dowell (Patsy), Grandchildren; Jaron M. Cunningham (Lana), Jordan M. Cunningham, (Ahmani), Tristan Pratt, Julius Dowell, Anna Dowell, Royce Dowell and Nysa Dowell. Greatgrandchildren: Imani, Amiyah, Layla, Eleanor, Jayce, and Marlowe. Siblings; Allie Mae Cotton, Thomas Dowell, and Carolyn Dowell. Bishop Dowell has several spiritual children and grandchildren; Travis Henderson (Diana) Jason Haskins, Thomas Rose (Jackay), Martha Adamore (Addy) Alexis Espinoza (Randall), Megan Mattingly (Payton) Markiah, Tharijah, and Thadeson Rose. Special Nieces/Nephews, Calvin Dowell, Janelle, Emil and Aaron Hall. Special Aunt, Lois Hayes, and Special friend, Honorable Circuit Court Judge Claudia Anderson.

George was preceded in death by his parents D.C. and Alberta, brothers Edgar, Richard, James, Ronnie, Michael, and Sister, Anna Pearl.

A Celebration of life will commence at 11:00 a.m. Friday  May 22, 2026 at  Hope Unlimited Church, 428 N. Walnut St. Danville. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be at a later date at Danville National Cemetery. 

A Praise Service/Visitation will be at Hope Unlimited Church from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday May 21, 2026. 

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