Sammie Louise Downey

Ms. Sammie Louise Downey was born August 31, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Leona Jeter and Earnest Downey. The sixth of nine children, Sammie distinguished herself the bossiest of her five sisters and three brothers. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. She later became a member of Monumental Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Samuel B. Kyles. She later joined Greater White Stone Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Roger Brown. Sammie was a faithful member of the August Club and Culinary Ministry. Sammie was united in holy matrimony to Woodrow Porter until death and later to James Boyd until his death. She was preceded in death by her five sisters, Debra Anderson, Malissa Johnson, Clantine Jones, Katie M. Lewis, and Earnestine Robinson; and two brothers, William E. Downey and Leroy Downey. Sammie was a proud graduate of the Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1966, in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended Baptist School of Nursing and graduated in 1973. She enjoyed a long career as a registered nurse, working in hospitals across Lorain, Ohio, and Phoenix, Arizona, before returning to Memphis and retiring in 2022 after serving at several hospitals. Sammie loved to read, and you could often find her relaxing on the sofa, in an easy chair, or in the bed—surrounded by books! She loved to spend time with her family and friends and had spent her past few years seeing the South with her sister-girlfriends known as the Old Lady Gang. She enjoyed good soul music and road trips (but she didn’t want you to drive too fast)! She loved to go out to eat with her nieces and nephews, but she most enjoyed food made by her sister-in-love, “Daughter.” And she spent many a football game day with Raymond and Monica, talking trash about their Steelers, because she loved the Dallas Cowboys! Though she had health struggles and mobility challenges as the years wore on, she tried to live life fully even when she needed more support from her beloved family members. Her goddaughter, nieces, nephews, sister-in-love, and brother all locked arms as her support system. On June 3, 2023, at 6:00 in the evening, her earthly assignment was finished. She entered eternal rest surrounded by those who love her deeply. Left to cherish her memories are: her brother, Robert Downey (Joyce); sister-in-love, Geraldine Downey; nieces, Stevelyn Primes, Angela Johnson, Cathi Lewis, Chandra Williams (Carlos), Kathryn Downey-Smith (Peter), Erica Mills (John), Tiereney Downey, Keydrull Downey, Ida Stewart, Roshona Jones, LaTonya “Princess” Downey, and Tosha Downey; seven nephews, Raymond Primes (Monica), Lawrence Primes (Vernice), Nicholas Downey (Natalie), Jonathon Downey, Larry Anderson, Jr., Charles Downey (Charlene), Leroy W. Downey, and Royale Downey; a very special god-daughter and caregiver, Veronica Jones; many great nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Sammie Louise Downey

August 31, 1949 - June 3, 2023