Isaiah Benjamin "I.B." Downs, Jr.

Allenhurst, GA

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.