Lemmie McCarthy Downs, Sr.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV In God's Hands To live a life that serves others is a gift. To be humble as you serve is a virtue. How marvelous it is to sacrifice time and energy for others. A Wonderful husband, Great father, brother, nephew, cousin uncle, friend....titles that are earned and not given. Lemmie McCarthy Downs, 80, went to his heavenly home and reward on, Saturday, February 11, 2023 after an extended period of illness at Autumn Care of Portsmouth. Born in Nottoway County, Virginia on October 17, 1942, he was the second son born to the Mary and Alphonsia Downs. McCarthy's Early Story His formal education began at Jennings Ordinary School in Jennings Ordinary, VA and afterwards attending Luther H. Foster High School, Nottoway, VA until he graduated in 1961. This is where he developed the love of reading. He was an avid reader. He kept current with the news. He would read every newspaper he could find, but his favorite read was God's Word, the Bible. He took comfort in knowing that he had a resource at his fingertips. His favorite book in the Bible was Isaiah. McCarthy at the age of 10 years old, confessed his faith and baptized at the First Nottoway Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend J. Hendrix who guided his growth and development as a Christian in God's Service. Here he was a dedicated Usher and Sunday School attendee. Upon relocating to Chesterfield County, he joined the First Baptist Church Centralia, Chesterfield, VA under the pastorate of Dr. Wilson Shannon. A Life of Work and Faith McCarthy's great faith led him to a life of service to family, friends and community. He continued his education upon graduation at Luther Foster High School at Eckels College of Mortuary Science, Philadelphia, PA where he earned the award of the The President's Scholar along with his Mortuary Degree. Upon completion of his course work at Eckels, he completed an internship program at the Oris P. Jones Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, VA. Here he gained his skills and love for his profession as a Funeral Director and Embalmer. His desire was to have his own funeral home and in order to do this he honed his skills in business at Cortez Peters Business School in Washington, DC. During his tenure at Cortez Peters, McCarthy joined the U.S. Army. His stint in the Army included Basic Training and Army Reserve. While in the Army, he opened up Downs Funeral Home in Crewe, VA. As the building was being erected, he worked a short time for the VA Department of Agriculture distributing food to the residents of Nottoway County. He went on to manage a funeral establishment in Victoria, VA, Downs and Drummond Funeral Home. In addition to his regular commitments, he was hired as Manager of Richmond Times Dispatch, distributing newspapers to surrounding areas. He was later called on to meet a transportation need for the residents of surrounding counties. He formed the Downs Medical Transportation Company under the umbrella of Downs Funeral Home that met these needs. He would often say, "May the work I've done speak for me." As if he didn't have enough on his plate, he saw the need to establish a company that would provide housing for low-income families. He formed the Downs Construction Company that built affordable housing through the FHA, a government agency. He was instrumental in aiding in securing loans for those that needed his help. In his early years, he joined Benjamin Lodge and other Masonic affiliates. He was also a member of the Funeral Directors Association. Before his illness, his desire was to begin a Medical Transportation Company (Downs Enterprise, Ltd) in California. A Period of Love and Commitment It was during the time of his work with the Department of Agriculture that he met his wife. After a short courtship, he married the former Jacqueline Tucker, at that time, a student at Virginia State College, Petersburg, VA. After six months of dating, they were married December 27, 1969. This union was blessed with three sons, Lemmie, Jr. (Muffin), Juan and Damon. His greatest passion was helping his family and teaching his sons the rewards of helping others and serving the needs of others. He loved his family dearly and spent his life providing for them and showing them love. McCarthy's Legacy Lovingly called "Mack" by his family and friends, he leaves the following legacy of life to carry on and to cherish his memory and devotion. His wife of 53 year, Jacqueline Tucker Downs of Hampton, VA His children (3), Lemmie McCarthy Downs-Lunn, Jr. of Hampton, VA; Juan Jermaine Downs of Petersburg, VA and Damon LeCroix Downs of Richmond, VA. His daughter-in-law (1) and son-in-law (1), Denise (Damon), Ken (Lemmie) His brothers (3) sisters-in-law (3), Alphonsia (Beatrice), Samuel (Jacqueline), Isaac (Charlene) His sister (1), Arlene (deceased) His grandchildren (7), Taraji, Tiana, Damon, Jr., Damani, Jaleel, Desirea, Markale; His great grandchild (1), Ke'Ani His goddaughter (1), Kandance Other relatives (sisters-in-law, Mary Goode, Fannie Jackson, Elsie Gholson, Shirley Hawkes (Carl), Zelda Tucker-Dugger and Lottie Tucker; brothers-in-law, William Tucker, Sr. (Thelma) and James Tucker (Lillian), many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.) We will always treasure and uphold the collective gifts of Daddy's unquestioning love, support, encouragement and wise counsel of which guided our pathways in life.

Lemmie McCarthy Downs, Sr.

October 17, 1942 - February 11, 2023