Josephine Downing

JOSEPHINE’S JOURNEY We do not lose the ones we love; they only go before. Where there is everlasting life; where sorrow is no more. There the soul will always live, and peace is everywhere. We do not lose the loved ones we love; God takes them in His care. Josephine Downing, daughter of the late Neely “Buddy” Brown and Lillie Mae Brown, was born on December 24, 1949 in Pahokee, Florida. She was called to her eternal reward on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Tidal Health Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Josephine was educated in the Somerset County education system. In 1990, Josephine earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). She began her employment at UMES on April 1, 1969, and retired January 31, 2015, with close to forty-six (46) years of dedicated service. At her retirement, she worked in the catalog department of the university’s Frederick Douglass Library. Josephine was a member of the Greater New Macedonia Baptist Church where she served several years as President of the Pastor’s Aide committee. She also remained supportive of other church committees and activities until her health failed. During her younger years, Josephine also had a love of sports. She played on the Pocomoke Bombers Women’s Softball team for several years in the 1970’s. In addition, Josephine served twelve (12) years (1994-2006) on the Pocomoke City Board of Zoning Appeals Commission and Housing Authority. Josephine possessed a loving personality and a cheerful and vibrant smile. She was very talented with her computer skills. She loved keeping up with the soap operas “Young and the Restless” and The Bold and the Beautiful.” Those who knew her well knew not to call before noon or when her soap operas were on. She could be seen on Facebook at any given time, liking or commenting on someone’s post. Josephine leaves to cherish her memories: two children, Valerie Holden of Edgewood, MD and Cleo Kelly III of Tasley, VA; two grandchildren, Cierra Kelley of Cape Charles, VA and Knowledge Kelley of Winston-Salem, NC; son-in-law, Gary Stewart; two sisters-in-law Thelma Brown and Lillian Brown and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, Neely “Buddy” and Lillie Mae Brown, brothers, Robert “Bobby” Gene Brown and Jimmy Lee Brown, sisters, Pauline Powell and Evelyn Scott and grandson, Dimitri Holden. Josephine will be dearly missed.