Jara Alexan Whisnant McDowell transitioned this life on December 29, 2024 at Wendover House in Shelby, NC.

He was born to the late Louise Dawkins McDowell and Leonard Bobby Whisnant on September 4, 1974.
Jara McDowell joined Shiloh Baptist Church at a young age. If you knew Jara, he was always a bright smile of sunshine. Jara was a loving soul. He never met any strangers. Jara's ministry was to serve. He loved speaking and helping the elderly. He always had encouraging words for everyone he met. Jara loved music and enjoyed dancing. He was the historian of our family. Jara loved his family and wanted to see everyone do well and prosper in life. Jara loved traveling to the beach and visiting New York. He loved his hometown of Shelby. He always said "this is his Shelby" and he would never leave.
Jara graduated from Shelby High School and Cleveland Community College. Jara was employed with Cleveland Regional Memorial Hospital (Atrium) for 24 years as a Transporter.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Leon Whisnant and Alretha McKissick.
Left to cherish his memory are his siblings Robert McDowell, Ansley Wilkins, Omar McDowell, Nerissa McDowell, Dorthy Whisnant and Levon Whistnant. Jada Dorsey, and Dacyn Cumberlander who held a special place in his heart. Additional family left to cherish his memory are God sisters Jackie Hoey (Bobby) and Valerie Haynes (Lamont) and God-brother Chris Borders; last remaining aunt Joyce Moore and uncle Robert Dawkins (Sarah) and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were held on January 9, 2025, at Release Church with burial in Sunset Cemetery.