Pastor Loyel Downer

Pastor Loyel Winston Downer was called home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, in Hamden, Connecticut, at the age of 85. Born on January 1, 1940, in Albert Town Trelawny, Jamaica, and later become Citizen of the United States of America. Pastor Downer, as he was affectionately called, life was a beautiful testament to faith, family, friends and service. He was a wonderful son, a devoted husband, a loving father, friend and a faithful shepherd of the Gospel. Throughout his life, "Winston" (Pastor Loyel Downer) exemplified hard work and perseverance. He was employed at Pratt & Whitney, Grabel and C&V Trucking, among other companies all while establishing his own successful business, Downer Shipping Company. Through his dedication and warm spirit, he became fondly known as "Barrell Man Winston," a trusted name in Connecticut and New York, for over 40 years. While he had a zeal for life unlike any other, Winston's (Pastor Downer) greatest passion was his love for the Lord. He lived his life boldly for Christ, always sharing the Gospel with humility and conviction. His deepest wish was for all his children and loved ones to come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Loyel Winston Downer served faithfully in ministry for most of his life, most notably as Pastor of Our Lord Cometh Ministries, where he led alongside his wife, Lady Sophia Downer, with love and unwavering faith for several decades. In the journey of his life, he touched many people through his strength of faith, wealth of character, humble graciousness, and bubbly personality. Activities surrounding baseball, packing barrels, singing, playing the drums and good food brought him great joy. He never met a stranger wherever he went. He was extremely proud of his family and cherished each moment shared, never parting without a heartfelt, God bless you, oftentimes tearful goodbye. His kindness, strength, and deep devotion to God and family leave a lasting imprint on all who had the honor of knowing him. He was preceded in death by his beloved son Dave Downer, his parents Matabel (Lisa) Johnson and Cecil Downer, his sister (Cassidy) Eugenny Anderson, and his brother Jimmy Walcott. Priceless memories will forever be etched in the hearts of so many such as his loving and devoted wife Sophia Downer, his children Nadine Downer, Alvin Downer (Demeris), Raymond Downer, Dwight Downer, Karena Downer, Norman Downer (Kia), and Desmond Downer, and his brother, Wycliffe Brown. He was also a cherished father figure to his bonus children: Calisa Kennedy, Nicole Moodie, and Shane Allan. His legacy continues through his 24 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.