Elene Criswell McDowell

Mrs. Elene Criswell McDowell, age 89, of Grady Mertz Road in Tennille, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, following an extended illness. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, January 24th at 12 noon in May and Smith Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Danny Thomas and Mr. Allen Veal will officiate. Mrs. McDowell's family will greet friends on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Mrs. McDowell was born and reared in Porterdale, Georgia, where she began working at an early age on her family's farm. After her marriage to her first husband, Jess David Lankford, Elene moved to Eatonton where she began a family and assisted her husband on their dairy farm. She was also a former employee of the Enterprise Aluminum Plant in Eatonton. Mrs. McDowell married Don McDowell and followed Don's work until they settled in Washington County. During retirement, She and Don had a flea market business. Elene loved to cook for family and friends, especially cakes.

Survivors include her son, Jess "Buddy" Lankford of Tennille; grandchildren, Chris Brown and Kayla Lankford; and great grandchildren, Gracie, Josh and Jesslyn Lankford; niece, Janet Bachelor; nephew, Sam Spears and her Special Friend, Lina Thomas. One son, Terri Herndon predeceases Mrs. McDowell.

Please leave an online condolence at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.