Michelle E. McDowell

Michelle Everhart McDowell, 59, passed away on September 13, 2026.

Born in West Columbia, SC, Michelle Everhart McDowell was the daughter of the late Dan Everhart and Patricia Mills Everhart (who they lovingly called “Buttons”). She passed away peacefully in her home with her loved ones on September 13, 2026 after a long and courageous fight with Multiple Sclerosis.

She graduated Irmo High School followed by Midlands Technical College with her associates in Radiologic Technology. She then received her bachelors from MUSC in Radiation Therapy. She self-studied and took her Medical Dosimetry boards.

She worked at Lexington Medical Center for over 30 years as a Medical Dosimetrist treating thousands of cancer patients over the years. She was passionate about her work and her co-workers quickly became like family.

Michelle’s passion in life was her family. She loved spending as much time as she could with family and friends. Her passion was raising her two daughters, Anna Marie Matthews and Carly Fordham; however, her greatest gift was being a nana to Amelia and Carter. Her face lit up anytime they were around and she would go to the end of the earth for them. She was an avid Gamecock Football fan, spending many years as a season ticket holder. She enjoyed visiting her brother, Steve, in the many places he lived. Her favorite places to travel were Gatlinburg, TN, riding around in the mountains and visiting the Apple Barn, as well as spending multiple weeks at the beach each year. Many memories were made staying in their camper at Ocean Lakes while the girls were little.

She is survived by her loving husband, Neil McDowell; daughters, Anna Marie Matthews (Zachary) of Columbia and Carly Fordham (Riley) of Chapin; grandchildren, Amelia Fordham, Carter Matthews, and expected grandson, Wade Fordham; best friend Lora Peppers (Robert); mother in law Rose Lawson, and in laws: Wayne McDowell, Patty Brigman (Tommy), and Stephanie Zobay; nieces and nephews, Lindsay Everhart, Thomas Brigman, Megan Brigman, Rachel Maner, Travis McDowell, Caitlyn McDowell, Daniel Everhart, Clayton Everhart, Hannah Everhart, and Cooper Everhart.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Patricia Mills Everhart and Dan Everhart; brother, Dr. Stephen Everhart; father in law, Neil McDowell Sr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. The Reverend Edward Fitzgerald will officiate. The entombment will follow in the Bush River Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bush River Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212.

The McDowell family would also like to extend a thank you to Agape Care Hospice for the exceptional care, love, and support they provided Michelle in the final weeks. Their support and loving care brought great comfort to the family during such a difficult time.