Eleanor McDowell Pickrell

Eleanor “Ellie” Shannon McDowell Pickrell, age 85, passed on Monday, October 28, 2025, at English Meadows Assisted Living. Ellie was born September 21, 1940, in Nashville, TN to the late Arthur Tillman McDowell and Eleanor Grace Allison Granville McDowell. She moved to Southwest Virginia in the Early 1960’s, was a member of Chilhowie United Methodist Church and a long-time employee of the Barter Theatre.

Ellie loved traveling of which her favorite places to visit were Italy and London. She enjoyed anything theatre related at Emory & Henry College as well as the Barter Theatre. In addition to traveling she could also be found shopping for antiques and visiting thrift stores.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Alan Pickrell; daughter, Laurie Miller; and an infant brother. She is survived by her daughter, Allison Statzer and husband David; son-in-law, Dean Miller and wife Shannon; five grandchildren, Jacob Statzer, Deanna Pope, Joshua Pope, Brittany Doane, and Morgan Pope; 13 great grandchildren; and very special friend, Melody Rhea.

Visitation with the family will be held 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2025, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A brief time of remembrance will follow at 2:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of English Meadows and Lavender Hill for the wonderful care provided to Mrs. Pickrell. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.

The family of Eleanor Shannon McDowell Pickrell is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.