William Downs Program

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William Albert Downs was born on October 16,1935 to Albert Downs and Thelma Eames-Downs in Marshall, TX. He was the second of three children. William was raised during the Jim Crow Era. During this time, schools were segregated. He attended Friend Enterprise which was 1 out of 21 schools designated for educating African American children. Unfortunately, the school was demolished to make create a well. From this devastation the community banded together to create Rosenwald school where he was able to attend and be a part of Texas history. After Rosenwald, he attended Pemberton. At the age of 15, he relocated to Dallas, TX and continued his education at Brooker T. Washington High School in Dallas, TX. In Dallas, he met and married the love of his life Parthenia (Brown) Downs, and they spent the next 62 years together. William became a cook at First Baptist Church. He loved cooking and was known for his red beans, pig feet, homemade rolls, and BBQ. He transitioned to Mayflower Moving Company with his father, but never stopped cooking. He later established a career with Owens Country Sausage. After 35 years, he retired in the early 80’s. After retirement, he worked for Metro Express, but later ventured into entrepreneurship when the business was transferred to him. As a young boy, William attended St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor E.B Humble in Marshall, TX. As life would have it, William endured trials and tribulations, which strengthen his relationship with God and lead to his salvation in 1977 at Revival Tabernacle in Dallas, TX under the leadership of the late Pastor, Faye A. Spencer. He continued his service to the Lord under the leadership of late Pastor Ruby Lee Hall at Miracle Deliverance, currently under the leadership of Pastor John W. Ealoms. He devoted his time to serving the church as a deacon and sang with the Miracle Sensations. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, family gatherings, and traveling. At times, he would drive to Arkansas just for the fresh spring water. He was a perfect family patriarch. William Albert Downs, a precious Saint of God, was freed from his earthly chains November 07, 2022, in Dallas, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents: Albert Downs and Thelma Downs-Hardaway; his brother: Johnnie Downs; his children: JoAnn Washington, Theodoric Laddgett Downs (aka Big William Albert Downs), Carolyn Ann Oliver, and William Charles Downs. William Albert Downs leaves behind to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Parthenia (Brown) Downs. Children: William Earl Downs, Alinda (Downs) Reyes, Alvin Wayne Brown (Anita), Samuel Lee Brown (Stacie), William Albert Downs, Calvin Joe Brown (Marilyn), Michael Wayne Downs (Briggette), Marvin Lee Downs, (Melinda), his sister: Betty Jo Brooker. Along with 29 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. He will also be cherished by many nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. We thank God for his life and legacy. He will remain forever in our hearts.

William A. Downs 1935-2022

Statemen o Apeciation Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a floral piece, if so, we saw it there. Perhaps you prayed a sincere prayer or came to pay a call. Perhaps you sang a cheerful song, if so, we heard it all. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you prepared a tasty dish, or maybe furnished a car. Perhaps you rendered a service unseen, near at hand or from afar. Whatever you did to console our hearts, by word or deed or touch. Whatever was the kindly part, we thank you, oh so very much. The Family

HONORARY PALLBEARERS Alvin Wayne Downs | Samuel Lee Brown William - Albert Downs | Calvin Joe Brown | Michael - Wayne Downs |Marvin Downs Calving Joe Brown, Jr. FLOWER BEARERS Granddaughters

EARTHY RESTIN PLACE Laurel Land Cemetery 6300 South R. L. Thornton Frwy. Dallas, Texas 75232

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