The Heart of Frayser: Regenia Dowell Honored for Decades of Community Dedication
Local & National News | February 28, 2025
Local & National News | February 28, 2025
Written By Tyler Abram
Commissioner Henri E. Brooks proudly recognized Ms. Regenia Dowell during the Black History Month 2025 celebration, applauding her decades-long commitment to the Frayser community and her tireless efforts to uplift and empower its residents. The honor highlighted Dowell's impactful work in education, community development, and volunteerism, showcasing her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Brooks' presentation was followed by heartfelt words from other Commissioners who have worked with Ms. Dowell.
To fully understand the significance of this honor, it's vital to explore Dowell's accomplishments, her passion for Frayser, and the praise she has garnered from her colleagues.
Regenia Dowell is a name synonymous with Frayser, a neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee. For decades, she has been a driving force for positive change, working tirelessly to improve the lives of its residents and create opportunities for its youth. Her dedication and passion for the community are evident in her numerous initiatives and her unwavering commitment to serving others.
Commissioner Brooks, in her remarks, expressed genuine appreciation for Dowell's contributions, emphasizing her long-standing service to the community. She highlighted the broad impact of her work, extending from education to community development.
Ms. Dowell's career began in the field of biological sciences, where she graduated from Memphis State University. She was employed by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, engaging in hypertension and gastroenterology research, during which time she published several research articles. In 2010, she received the Thomas C. Leckerman Employee of the Year Award, a testament to her dedication and hard work during her 36 years of service.
While she found success in the research environment, Dowell's true calling lay in community service. Since retiring in 2010, she has devoted her time and energy to making a difference in Frayser.
Dowell's efforts to improve the Frayser Community are evident in her work to launch the Frayser Community Garden Program. Working in partnership with the University of Tennessee, she facilitated the expansion of Frayser's community resources. Likewise, she has served with the Taste of Memphis, integrating her community with the wider Memphis area. Currently, Dowell serves as chairman of the Frayser Community Development Corporation Connect Advisory Committee through a grant from the Mass Mutual.
In a 2010 interview with the Memphis Public Library, Dowell says, "After retiring, I began to focus on ways to support families in Frayser. I began to volunteer at Frayser Elementary School, and started to get connected with other people. I think that it's important that all members of Frayser feel connected." The goal of connecting families has remained a constant in her efforts to promote the area. Through the Connect Advisory Committee, Dowell's work touched the lives of over 11,158 people, with over $11,142 awarded in grants to the community.
A major portion of Dowell's efforts are in education, primarily through the Frasyer Community Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA).
One of the goals of the PTA is "to make all children's potential a reality". Every year, the PTSA is involved in several events that contribute toward this goal:
Dowell's advocacy for the children of Frayser demonstrates her love and care for their development.
During the presentation, Dowell gifted Commissioner Brooks with a Welcome to Frayser Coloring Book 2.0, demonstrating her pride in the community and her desire to share its unique identity with others. The gift also served as a token of appreciation for Brooks' support of Frayser, particularly her efforts to secure a new school for the neighborhood.
"We are the only community that has this on the cover," Dowell said proudly, emphasizing the uniqueness of Frayser. She also expressed her gratitude to the commissioners for "assisting us in making sure that we get our new school in Frayser, Tennessee.”
Following the presentation, several commissioners took the opportunity to express their admiration for Dowell and her work:
Commissioner Thornton:** Praised Dowell's "endless energy for service to community" and hailed her as "a dedicated, motivated leader." She also admired Dowell's fashion sense, saying "you look amazing in orange. It's definitely your color. Commissioner Caswell: Declared Dowell "the queen of Frayser" and noted that she is "the one that you call if you want to get something done in Frayser." *Commissioner Lowry: Echoed the sentiments of his colleagues and thanked Dowell for her continued service, noting that he, Commissioner Caswell, and Commissioner Brooks had all, at one point, been Ms. Dowell's commissioner. His daughter, as well, loves the coloring book and he promised to show Dowell some of his daughter's coloring at some point.
These comments highlight the respect and appreciation that Dowell has earned from her colleagues and the broader Memphis community.
Regenia Dowell’s decades-long commitment to Frayser has made her a pillar of the community and a role model for others. Her passion for education, her dedication to community development, and her unwavering commitment to serving others have transformed the lives of countless individuals.
Commissioner Brooks' recognition of Dowell during Black History Month was a fitting tribute to her extraordinary achievements and her lasting legacy. Her story is an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of community engagement and the importance of dedicating our lives to making a positive difference in the world. The award, itself, pales in comparison to the hard work that Ms. Dowell has accomplished.
By honoring her, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners have set an example for the rest of the Mid-South. Regenia Dowell has dedicated her life to educating, supporting, and assisting others. She is committed to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.
Her dedication is a true embodiment of what it means to serve.
