Leta Fugate McDowell age 89 of Clarksville, Tennessee formerly of Rhea County died Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center with her family by her side.

Leta was born December 16, 1932 in Pikeville, Tennessee to Howard and Maude Fugate. She married Millard McDowell on December 20, 1952. Together they faithfully served in the U.S. Army. They were blessed with five children: Diane, Karen, Mike, Pam and Jan. Leta spent her life devoted to raising her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and her loyal dog, River. She was a devoted Christian.

Leta was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Maude Fugate, her husband Millard McDowell, her grandson John R. Davis Jr., her granddaughter Amanda Danielle Austin, her sister Yetiva Hill, and her brothers Junior and Kenneth Fugate.

Survivors include her children Diane (Ed) Byron, Karen (John) Davis, Mike (Jill) McDowell, Pam (Jeff) Robertson, and Jan Smelser ;  sisters, Geraldine Varner, Jean Reeves, Dereetsa Roberts and brother, Leonard Fugate, 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Aaron Revis officiating. Interment will follow in Pierce Cemetery in Evensville, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is in charge of the arrangements of Leta Fugate McDowell and asks that you share your memories of her and your condolences to her family on our website www.vaughn-funeral-home.com.