Barbara Britton Clark Dowling

Barbara Britton Clark Dowling, 98, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026 in Atlanta. The Funeral Mass will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, Dunwoody, on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the All Saints Parish Social Hall. Barbara lived a long and beautiful life, marked by an exemplary, cheerful and kind spirit that touched everyone she met. She carried herself with grace and was always upbeat and happy.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, John (Jack) William Dowling, her infant child, John Dowling, her parents, Walter Bruce Clark and Helen Sheehan Clark. Barbara is survived by her children; Steven Clark Dowling (Barbara) and Lisa Dowling Wright (Robert); her grandchildren, Matthew Steven Dowling (Anna), Christina Wright Ridlon (Alex), Kelli Elizabeth Dowling (John), John McDaniel Wright (Katie); her great grandchildren, Jack Helmut Dowling, Lucas Steven Dowling, Brooks Robert Ridlon, Ava Gwendolyn Ridlon, her cousin, Ellen Sheehan Berek, and numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

Barbara grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She was a city girl and attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy, Sacred Heart High School and College of Saint Teresa. After college she was employed by Abbott Laboratories as a switchboard operator serving as a french interpreter for callers. Barbara married in 1950 to the absolute love of her life, Jack Dowling. Together they raised two children in Glenview, Illinois and Dunwoody, Georgia.

Barbara often spoke of her volunteer service at St. Vincent's Orphanage in Chicago in the 60's. It held a special place in her heart. She treasured the time she spent with the children, whose gratitude and joy were evident in every shared meal and outing, creating bonds she cherished. She volunteered at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, comforting the families that were waiting for their loved ones undergoing heart surgery. Barbara was a founding member of All Saints Catholic Church and a member of St. Margaret's Circle. In her younger years she loved playing tennis and nine holer's golf at Dunwoody Country Club. Barbara was a marvelous cook and loved to entertain with beloved friends. She lived each day with a cheerful spirit and found happiness in ordinary moments shared with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was thankful for her family and friends who shared so many wonderful years by her side. While we mourn her passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life. In memory of Barbara, donations may be made to All Saints Catholic Church.