Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
MARSHA DOWNS Obituary
MARSHA DIANE DOWNS
"Mad Dog"
Ms. Marsha Diane Downs "Mad Dog" was the 4th child born to Rosaline and William Downs. All her life she had a love for animals, especially cats. She had a cat named "Charlie." As a child and adult, she loved being with her family. She enjoyed playing cricket, softball, kick the can and winning in a card game called Bid Whist. Marsha Downs attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1970. She worked at a variety of Jobs including Mercantile Market in IL, Hardees, Trump Casino, Wendy's, Church's Chicken and Ralleys (all in Gary). She was called home on October 4, 2009 at the age of 57. Marsha will be reunited in heaven with her father, William Downs; grandparents, Flora and Wayman Browder; her uncles, Oswald Browder, Clintonia Browder, Marion Browder, Edgar Browder, Theodore Browder, Clifford Browder, Theodore Sims, Jr. and Arnold House; her aunts, Evelyn Browder-Sims, Emily Browder and Blanche Carruthers; and 1 brother-in-law, Johnnie Milton. She leaves to cherish her fondest memories mother, Rosaline Browder-Downs; sisters, Olivia (Kenneth) Downs-Gillis (Gary, IN), Janet Downs- Milton (Gary, IN), Donna (Gregory) Downs-Robinson (Rex, GA), Katrina (Calvin) Downs-Richardson (Virginia Beach, VA), brothers, Russell (Monika) Downs (Glen Burne, MD), Richard Downs (Baltimore, MD), Edgar Downs (Gary, IN); aunts, Dovie Browder-House (Gary, IN), Janie Browder (Gary, IN); uncle, Donald (Rhea) Browder (Gary, IN); special friends, Gwen Smith, Littlo Gardner and Michael Guyton; with 1 special daughter, Sharma Billings. Family members will be at 571 West 21st Avenue (basement apt) or call (219) 885-6882. Service 11:00 a.m. and visitation 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. will be at Christ Temple Church, 4201 Washington St., Gary, IN on October 24, 2009. www.smithbizzellwarnerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MARSHA DOWNS
Betty Brooks-Hiemstra
October 24, 2009
To the Downs Family
I am sorry for your loss. Marsha was a wonderful person, full of life and fun. I will miss her. I was fortunate to run into her a few months ago at fresh Country Market and although she was ill she still her famous sense of humor. You were blessed to have had her as a family member and Smokey and I were blessed to have her as a chilhood friend.
Betty Brooks-Hiemstra-Roosevelt C/O "69"
Jackie and Carlette Jennings
October 23, 2009
Katrina & Ramona,
We were sadden to hear of the loss of Marsha. She was a very sweet person. It has been a long time since we have seen you, but we just want you to know that we are thinking of you in your time loss.
Jackie Jennings- Roosevelt C/O "86"
Carlette Jennings- Roosevelt C/O "88"
Delores Lampley
October 23, 2009
To The Downs Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you doing your time of sorry. I will always remember Marsha and how much she enjoyed playing softball with my sister Sharon.
God bless and Keep you
Benny Hicks
October 23, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Robert Washington
October 23, 2009
Rich,
It is always hard to lose a loved one that you watched grow up. We will keep you in our prayers.
James Polk
October 22, 2009
It is my heart-felt condolences to you and your family of your lost, but we all know it is the Lord's Gain to be absent from the body.... Your in my prayers AKA J.P!
(co worker )
October 22, 2009
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
CO-WORKER ED RANDALL TO RICHARD DOWNS.
October 22, 2009
May the good Lord comfort you and yours as only he can. With heartfelt sympathy to your entire family. Fentress Johnson ( Baltimore Md. )
Anthony Harris
October 22, 2009
Richard I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. From what I read she was quite a women. Stay strong brother and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Tony Harris Dale City Virginia.
October 22, 2009
WE WILL ALL MEET AT THE RIVER /KROW
October 22, 2009
RICH:
MAY YOUR LOVELY SISTER REST IN PEACE AND PLAY CRICKET AS MUCH AS WANTS TOO.
ERNIE JOHNSON AND CATHY JACKSON
Denise Lee
October 22, 2009
My prayers are with the family to provide strength as you celebrate her life and homegoing.
She will always be remembered by our class of 1970.
Fred & Michelle Retic
October 22, 2009
We are sorry for your lost and will miss her. God will help you in your time of need!!!!
October 22, 2009
For the Families of Marsha & Ramona Downs
I worked with Marsha during our days At Rally's and had kept in touch with her off and on throughout the years. She was very special, helped me thru my pregnacy with my first child, and been there just to talk. She will truly be missed.
Mona keep your head high knowing your Aunt loved and cherished you with all her heart; even though she's no longer with you, she will continue to watch and provide that special guidence that only Marsha could provide. Take care and know that we're here for you when you need us.
La Kesha Tucker Roosevelt Class of 1988
Ruthie (Wilson)Sanders
October 21, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
sucdria wilson/hudson
October 21, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
October 21, 2009
We the Bradley Family would like to extend our sincere condolences to Edgar and his family. There is no hurt that God can not heal if only you ask.
Ronnie, Reanell, Dominique, Sanadah, Sylvester, Sean.
Danita (Brown) Warmack
October 21, 2009
My prayers go out to the family. Be strong in the Lord and He will give you strength in your time of sorrow.
Cheryl Jefferson-Lear
October 21, 2009
To Edgar, Janet, Mom & Family
Sorry for the loss of Marsha.
She had a nature you could not help loving,
Her heart was purer than gold.
And those who knew her loved her,
Her memory will never grow cold.
Rodney Coffee
October 21, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mildred Yarbrough
October 21, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karen Clayton
October 21, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
I have known Marsha since we attended elementary school through seniors at Velt. She will be missed.
JoAnn Gamble
October 21, 2009
Downs Family
I send you love and ask God to give you peace. Marsha was my 40+ year friend . Enjoying classes,Softball, outings, friends and life. My life will never be the same, I say to Marsha and I know she'll listening I love you my sister and will miss you but will have you forever in my heart. There is only one Marsha.
JoAnn Stewart-Gamble
JoJo
Richard Gordon, Sr.
October 21, 2009
MY prayers and condolences are with the family.Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.God is our source,lean and depend on Him!!He cares!!!!!!
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in MARSHA DOWNS's name
Memorial Events
for MARSHA DOWNS
How to support MARSHA's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor MARSHA DOWNS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
