Name: Visitation for Isaiah Benjamin "I.B." Downs Jr.
Start: 2018-07-15T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-07-15T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel - Hinesville

Isaiah Benjamin "IB" Downs, Jr., 91, a lifelong native to the Liberty County area, was called to his heavenly home on July 13, 2018. His deep devotion to his family and his firm belief in our Savior Jesus Christ supported him through his years and ultimately rewarded him with eternal peace.

Born December 12, 1926, he was raised during times of struggle and depression. He, along with his four siblings, Lucille Downs Floyd, Donald Downs, Vivian Downs Cooke and Jimmie Downs, Sr., were surrounded by the love and nurturing of a Godly family, parents, Isaiah Benjamin "Ike" Downs, Sr. and Mary Hope Downs. With the firm foundation of a Christian family, he went to marry his forever love, Mrs. Helen Downs, on August 11, 1945. They went on together faithfully having two children, Kenneth Downs and Lois Downs.

Hands on learning and a passion for woodwork would lend to becoming a pioneer in early Liberty County and to future endeavors as a general contractor, cabinet maker, craftsman, and the purchase of Frost Lumber, which he renamed Downs Lumber, in 1957. After retirement, one could still often catch him there exchanging how-to-do's and spirited back at cha's with our hometown locals as well as newcomers to our city. He loved his community and his church, Crossroads Holy Church of God. He was an avid aviator.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Helen Downs, his children, Kenneth Downs and Lois Downs Meekins, his parents, and his sisters and brother, Lucille, Vivian and Jimmie.

He is survived by his grandchildren, John Downs (Debbie), Tanya Downs Gould (Mike), and Allison Westbrook; brother, Donald Downs (Lenora); several great- and great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 4-7 pm, Sunday, July 15, 2018, at Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel. Funeral Services will begin at 11 am, Monday, July 16, 2018, at Crossroads Holy Church of God with Pastor Jeptha Newberry officiating. Burial will follow in Hinesville Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be John Downs, Mike Gould, Shane Carter, Ayden Ewing, Martin Downs, and Willie Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Bro. William Dasher, Bro. Larry Price, Bro. Barry Bowens, Bro. Wilton Foster, Lamar Cooke, and Sis. Georgia Brady.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested to Crossroads Holy Church of God, P.O. Box 405, Allenhurst, GA 31301.

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is serving the Downs family. Online condolences may be made at www.CarterOglethorpe.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Savannah Morning News on Jul. 15, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Isaiah Downs

13 Entries

September 11, 2018

I.B was surely a gem of a person. May the fond memories of his life provide you with the comfort you need, and the hope in the scripture at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 bring you peace.

Willie Holmes

July 19, 2018

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Suzanne Johnson

July 19, 2018

God took his angel back and now he can rest for every more. He was a Great Man...

Sherri Howard

July 17, 2018

Mr. I.B., as we called him, was first a man of God, then family, then others with lesser means, and then his company. I met him when I was in high school and my brother first worked for him then when I went to work they hired me for inside stuff. He was always kind and usually quiet (but when he laughed, it was an honest joy). He was deservedly well respected and generous to so many. Ill never forget when I was upset because I was $200 (felt like $2000 to me back in the 80s) short to buy my first heap of junk (aka Chevy chevette) and he always teased and laughed, but he saw something was wrong and asked and before I know it he had loaned me the money on a handshake and I got the car and paid him back like we agreed and I saw respect in his eyes...but it was him shining through my eyes with kindness that made me respect him. He also didnt treat me like a 18 year old...I was employed, therefore, I was an adult.

Our Lord has gained a life long child and we have lost a great man. God bless the family and his friends and his beloved church.
-Sherri Gasper Howard

July 17, 2018

John, Tanya and Allison - so sorry for your loss and mine but what a great reunion going on now. He and Is

Toni Maucelli

July 17, 2018

John, Tanya and Allison - so sorry for your loss and mine but what a great reunion going on now. He and Ms Helen were not just friends but also family. I loved them both and will miss them forever.

Allen and Pat Crawford

July 17, 2018

Tanya and family, I am sorry for your loss but what a time your grandfather is having in Heaven right now. We love you and miss you.

Claudia Woodward

July 15, 2018

Brother Jr, as I called him was a long time family friend. He was always a character and would love to make you laugh. I will miss him, but happy to know where he is going. I've known him all my life and have witnessed him being a Christian. We will all miss him at Church, at Downs Lumber, and Izolas eating after Church on Sunday's. I loved his family as well...the ones that have gone on...his wife, Sister Helen, Kenny, and Lois. I'm happy that he has made it to his Heavenly Home. ❤

Anne Miness/Wright

July 15, 2018

So broken for the Family of Bro. Downs, yet so happy for him for his days of striving is over. He have made that final journey and is forever with his Savior and Lord. Surrounded by family and friends that have gone on before him... Condolences to all...♥♥♥

Kris Mattingly

July 15, 2018

My prayers go out to the entire Downs family. Brother IB and Mrs Helen were a beautiful couple. I am so happy they are now reunited with the Lord they served daily. They were there for me during some very dark times-and I will forever he grateful. They will be missed by many others who they rescued as well. Fly High with your own wings IB-No plane needed!!!

Teresa Ring Manning

July 14, 2018

I am so sad but also happy. Papa Downs was one of a kind. He will truly be missed, but I know he and Grandma Downs are rejoicing together once again. Love you all...

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