Gladys Vinson McDowell

Gladys Vinson McDowell, 90, passed away on April 1, 2026.

Born on December 22, 1935, in Macon County in the Scaly Mountain community, she was the daughter of Reba Chastain Vinson Deal and Ralph Vinson.

Gladys was a real estate broker who truly enjoyed meeting new people. She was an active member of her community and served on several local boards. She was one of the original members of Mountain Findings and played a key role in organizing the program. She served as treasurer for many years and remained a dedicated board member. In addition, she served on the Hudson Library Board, the Macon County Library Board, the Millennial Board, the Highlands Municipal Election Board, and the Highlands Historical Society. She was a member of the Presbyterian faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie W. McDowell; her son, Mark Shannon McDowell; and her brother, Morris E. Vinson of Pickens, South Carolina.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Parrish and her husband, Mark G. Parrish; four grandchildren, Coree McDowell Rhem, Brittany Dryman (Greg Porter), Mark Shannon Parrish, Savanna Parrish (Spencer William); and several great-grandchildren, including Scarlett Porter, Farrah Smith, Brielle and Ezra of Alabama, and Rosalind Rhem and Gwendolyn Rhem of Sarasota, Florida.

A private memorial service will be held at Highlands Memorial Cemetery April 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Ronnie Branson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 460, Highlands, NC 28741, or to the Highlands Historical Society, P.O. Box 670, Highlands, NC 28741.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the McDowell family.