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Sowders- Dorla Dean Sowders, age 87, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on July 27, 2022, at Saints Care Center in Jacksonville, FL. She was born in Marion, Indiana on August 8, 1934, to the late Harold Rhodes and Elizabeth Irene Swisher Rhodes. Dorla was raised in Marion, IN where she attended high school and met the love of her life, Curtis Jerome Sowders, Sr. In 1975, Dorla and Curtis relocated to Jacksonville, FL where they made their forever home with their wonderful family. She enjoyed her longtime career as a secretary at several different companies, but she was most passionate about being a homemaker for her family. Dorla was an amazing painter who enjoyed painting photos and ceramics. She was an avid traveler, she traveled all over the country to Hawaii and the Bahamas several times. Dorla was a great cook and known for making homemade noodles. More than anything, Dorla loved her family, and will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Richard Rhodes, Robert Horner, and Steve Applegate; sister, Diana Ruttledge, Vickie Applegate, and Karen Tudor; and daughter-in-law, Barbara Pence. Dorla is survived by her children, Richard Sowders, Curtis Sowders, Paula (Michael) Hannah all of Jacksonville, FL; brothers, Joe (Brenda) Rhodes, Jim Rhodes, Bill Tudor, and Stanley Applegate all of Marion, Indiana; sister, Rita Moore of Marion, Indiana; grandchildren, Cassie, Cynthia, Matthew, Cristina, Curtis III, and Tiffany; great grandchildren who resided with her, Robert, Michael, and 14 additional great grandchildren. A Celebration of Dorla’s Life will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 11:00 am at Ferreira Funeral Services Chaffee Chapel. The family will receive friends on Monday, August 1, 2022 from 5:00 pm– 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ferreira Funeral Services, 1320 Chaffee Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32221, 904-378-7777.

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Dorla Dean Sowders

August 8, 1934 - July 27, 2022