Walter McDowell

Walter McDowell was born January 21, 1961 in Chicago, Ill to parents Walter And Bessie Mae Ella McDowell. He was one of 6 children born to this union. Preceding him in death was his father Walter McDowell Sr of Greenwood Mississippi, and his mother Bessie Mae Ella McDowell of Belzoni, Mississippi . His uncle Chris McDowell of Los Angeles, Ca also preceded him in death. Walter was always a fun loving young man. He spoke fondly about his childhood in Chicago where he enjoyed close family relationships. He went on to graduate from high school in Cook County Illinois. In 1979 he joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in San Diego, Ca, where he received a good conduct medal and an honorable discharge in 1983. As with so many, he fell in love with the beautiful weather and decided to return to San Diego. He worked as a bus driver for San Diego MTS and as a shuttle driver for the San Diego International Airport. Walter’s thirst to find the truth led him to study the bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He first studied with brother Johnny Jackson. Later, he studied with Santo Battaglia. As a result, Walter dedicated his life as a faithful servant of Jehovah and was baptized in the year 2000. Walter made rapid spiritual progress, pioneering shortly after baptism, attending his first Pioneer school in August 2002. He went on to serve in the Chollas Heights congregation as a ministerial servant and later was appointed as an elder where he served until his death. Walter was a man of high integrity, a loyal brother, and a true friend to all who knew him. He was a wonderful listener and loved family and friends and most importantly his God Jehovah. In July of 2003 Walter married the love of his life, Lawantha Miniefee. Together they shared a wonderful life and partnership. They both loved the field ministry and being with family and friends. Then one day he experience one of the most special days of his life. November 13, 2005 when he welcomed his beautiful baby girl Sierra Lenae McDowell into his life. They were inseparable ever since. You can say she was the apple of his eye. All that knew him, know how much he loved his Chicago cubs and hometown of Chicago. He was thrilled when they won the world series after a 100 year drought. He had been a loyal fan even during the drought. He also loved spending time with Lawantha and Sierra. He loved cooking, reading, sports, traveling and he loved Life itself. He enjoyed serving the congregation and the love he had for people was always evident. He was a strong man that learned to lean upon his God Jehovah. Walter lived his life down to the end. He never gave up. Setting a fine example for us all. Walter kept God’s promises clear in his mind and heart. His faith in the resurrection was real and on Gods promises, he never wavered. He looked forward to the time when “God will make all things new” here on an earthly paradise. Walter will be deeply missed until the “God of all comfort”, fulfills his promise to bring back his loyal servant, our dear brother Walter. In the early morning of January 5, 2018; Walter fell asleep in death. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Lawantha McDowell, his daughter Sierra Lanae McDowell, his siblings, Jesse Mae Young (Joe Young) Chicago, his brothers Adourthus McDowell (Maria), Chicago, Ill, brother Thurmand McDowell, ill, Buford McDowell (Cynthia McDowell),Hazelcrest, Ill, Nick McDowell, Chicago, Ill , his devoted Aunties, Idella Griffin, L.A, Thelma Jones, LA, Celestine MaeMcDowell and Ruth Ann Lovett, San Diego, His sister in law, Akiba Miniefee Ca A host of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins and dear friends. The family of Walter McDowell wish to acknowledge, their heart felt appreciation for each act of kindness and every expression of sympathy shown during this difficult week. Internment will take place privately for family at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego. 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122 I DON’T NEED A SPECIAL DAY I DON’T NEED A SPECIAL DAY TO BRING YOU TO MIND, THE DAYS I DO NOT THINK OF YOU ARE VERY HARD TO FIND, EACH MORNING WHEN I AWAKE I KNOW THAT YOU ARE GONE, AND NO ONE KNOWS THE HEARTACHE AS I TRY TO CARRY ON MY HEART STILL ACHES WITH SADNESS AND SECRET TEARS STILL FLOW, WHAT IT MEANS TO LOSE YOU, NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW. MY THOUGHTS ARE ALWAYS WITH YOU DAD, YOUR PLACES NO ONE CAN FILL, IN LIFE I LOVED YOU DEARLY, IN DEATH I LOVE YOU STILL. – Your loving daughter Sierra McDowell