Robbie Merle Dowden Raiford passed away Tuesday evening, August 19, 2014, in Bossier City from complications of dementia and Parkinsons. Robbie was born on Aug. 9, 1936 to Samuel and Oma Taylor Dowden. She grew up in the Peason community and graduated from Plainview High School as co-valedictorian. After graduation, she began working at Fraser Hospital in Many and as Dr. Fraser’s office nurse until retirement. Robbie married Melvin Raiford on June 6, 1952, and they were married for 60 years until his death in May 2013. They raised their two daughters in the Fort Jesup community. Survivors include her two daughters, Patti Lann and Nancy Mitchell and husband, Will, all of Bossier City; grandchildren, JG and wife, Caitlyn, Jonathan, Joshua and wife, Hallie, and Jarred of Franklin, Tenn.; Audra, Jordon, Arianna, Justus, Joel, and Jaden all of Bossier City; great grandchildren, Jameson, Lucy, and Liam. She is also survived by her two sisters-inlaw, Neva Dowden of Many and Josie Dowden of Baton Rouge. One of the favorite memories of her grandchildren was her waking them with the song, “Oh what a beautiful morning” sung by her loudly and purposefully off key. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; her sisters, Vivian Tarver Herrington, Annis Tarver, Maggie
Lee Dowden McGee, Imogene Dowden, Clydell Dowden Kile; brothers, Tom, Dawson Irby, Ellis, Huey and Wingate Dowden. She was the baby of the family, the youngest of eleven. Honoring Robbie as pallbearers are her grandsons, JG, Jonathan, Joshua, Jarred and Jordan Mitchell, and her nephew, Charles Dowden. Officiating were the Reverends, Keith Dowden, her nephew, and Randy Riley of Trinity Heights Baptist Church of Shreveport. Her daughters wish to thank her Sunday school class at Trinity Heights for their love and support. These ladies were like sisters to her. Also, they wish to extend their gratitude to the staff at Gamble Hospice and Pilgrim Manor for their compassion during her final days. Visitation was Thursday at 5 p.m. and services were Friday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m., both at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many. Burial followed at Fort Jesup Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www. meadows.com.