Frederick A. Downie

Frederick Adolfus Downie was born on December 8, 1928, in St. Thomas, Jamaica to Delrose Moon Downie and William Downie. He attended Mount Felix All Age School in Mount Felix, St. Thomas. At the young age of 16, Frederick had to step up and become the man of the house due to the death of his father. It was difficult for his mother Delrose to support 10 children so as the eldest son, he had to find a way to generate income. His mother sacrificed and used all her savings to pay the fees for him to become an apprentice with the town’s shoemaker. He was a fast learner and within months, he mastered the trade and became the bread winner of the family. He made cow skin boot by hand. These boots were used by farmers and construction workers and were in demand at the time. He also made dress shoes, sandals, and performed shoe repairs. His teacher and mentor eventually immigrated to London and sold the business to Frederick. He made a good living from this craft and was highly respected by the community. He met Magdalene Maddix and after a long courtship, they married on December 15, 1953. From this union they had 6 daughters Beverley, Winsome, Yvonne, Shenneth, Clair and Michelle and one adopted daughter Hope. He loved his family and raised his daughters to love each other and to be there for one another. Frederick continued with his business as a shoemaker, and eventually added the jobs of hospital orderly and mailman in order to support his family Frederick understood the importance of education and decided that his daughters would get an education and become successful independent women. To better allow for this, He immigrated to the United States. He worked in food service at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and saved enough to bring his wife and eventually his children to Philadelphia. He worked at Jefferson for over 30 years until he retired. His dreams for his daughters were realized because they all went on to higher education and received degrees. Being Children of God, Frederick and Magdalene became devoted members of the Non-Sectarian Church of God in Christ located at 51st and Haverford where they remained active for over 50 years. Frederick was a member of the Men’s Choir. He loved to garden and he had a green thumb. He planted a flourishing garden of tomatoes and scotch bonnet peppers every summer. He also enjoyed dancing and his grandchildren named a dance after him called “the Pop.” He leaves behind to mourn his passing: devoted daughters, Beverley, Winsome Yvonne, Shenneth, Hope, Clair, and (Michelle) Yvette; (son) Son-in-law Jackie Davis, his adoring grandchildren, Donovan, Jasmine, Jason, Javielle, Byron, Dahren, Jevon, Samantha, Jarrett, Jordhan, and Amiya; 16 great grandchildren, siblings: Daphne, Verna, Joyce, Mavis, and William; Sisters-in-law Hermine and Cynthia. Brother in law Deacon Sutherland, and a host of nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends. Frederick is preceded in death by his beloved wife Magdalene, father William, mother Delrose and siblings Dorothy, Conrad, Albert and Bill. Frederick and Magdalene would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on December 15th. He would have been 97 on December 8th. He will be sorely missed and will be forever in our hearts. Services for Mr. Downie will be livestreamed for all those who cannot attend. You can view the services by going to YouTube and typing in @tdtv26. Visitation: Friday, December 12th 9:00 am-10:00 am at Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church 5620 Wyalusing Avenue Philadelphia. Service: Friday, December 12th 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church. Interment: Westminster Cemetery Condolences: www.lombardofuneralhomes.com

Frederick A. Downie

December 8, 1928 - November 19, 2025