Macdowell, Ela Jo Ela Macdowell, 83, of Dallas passed away on Monday, April 14, 2014 at Methodist Hospital in Richardson, TX. She will always be remembered for her extraordinary dedication to her family, friends, work and church. Ela was born in Port Arthur, Texas on November 11, 1930 to Thomas Cicero and Rudolph Gary Barlow. She moved to Dallas with her husband and three sons in the early 1960s, where she had her fourth son, and left her inimitable mark on countless people and places over the course of a varied service career in law, politics, and religious education. She set the bar for smart, loyal and fierce Executive Assistants before the phrase even came into vogue. She was a gifted editor of letters, articles and books, and she owned and operated health food stores at NorthPark and Wynnwood Village Shopping Centers. Her final work, other than volunteer, was with Dallas Theological Seminary, where she served three legendary and appreciative presidents, Dr. Walvoord, Dr. Campbell, and Dr. Swindoll. Ela loved to laugh, loved games, loved organizing things, loved giving gifts and so dearly loved the Lord. And all who knew her even a little knew how deeply she loved and doted on her sons and their families. Survivors include her sons, Jack Lee Macdowell and his wife Michelle, his son Jack Jr. and step-granddaughter Venessa, Gordon Kendrick Macdowell II and his son Daniel, Thomas Lawrence Macdowell and his sons Derek and Kyle, and David Barlow Macdowell and his wife Letitia and their children, Katelyn, Austin and Lauren. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Redeemer Bible Church, 721 Easton Road, Dallas, TX 75218. Instead of flowers, Memorials may be made to Redeemer Bible Church. Online condolences can be made at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com.