Ida Mae McDowell

Ida Mae Johnson was born on May 2, 1928 to the late James Johnson Sr. and Lena Washington Johnson in Birmingham, Alabama. There were three children born to the union Marie “Baby Sister”, James Jr. “Bae Bruh” and Ida Mae was affectionately known as “Doll”; because she looked like a doll when she was a baby.

At the age of 5 the family moved to Chicago. Ida received her formal education from Doolittle Elementary and graduated with the Wendell Phillips High School Class of 1946.

Ida met the love of her life Mr. Mack C. McDowell and was united in Holy Matrimony on September 19, 1948. They were married for fifty two years and six months until his passing on April 19, 2001. Together they loved and nurtured three beautiful daughters; Deborah, Linda and Dianne.

When Ida was thirteen she accepted Christ and became a member at the First New Bethlehem Baptist church where she remained for over sixty years. Ida went from being a member to becoming the First Lady after her husband became Pastor there from 1981 through 2001.

Ida was employed by the Federal Government. She worked in the Department of Treasury from 1953 through 1957. She was called to the Railroad Retirement Board on September 21, 1959 as a card punch operator. Over the years she was promoted to claims examiner. She enjoyed working at the “Board” because she had so many friends and co-workers. She retired in September, 1989 after thirty years of service.

Ida had a love for travel; she set sail on several cruises and visited many cities across the United States. On her 80th birthday, after being away from Birmingham, Alabama for over 75 years, Ida went back to visit her childhood home. It was a thrill of a life time to recapture moments from her childhood. She was a true fashionista and had a passion for shopping and coordinating her looks. She spent the majority of her time working in her church and enjoying her family and friends.

Ida longed to hear the words her husband would always say to her, “Where’s my honey?” On September 13, 2015 God laid her down gently to rest.

She was preceded in death by both of her siblings in 2014 brother James Johnson Jr. and Marie McDowell.

Ida’s life, love and legacy will live on in the hearts of her devoted daughters Deborah (Duane) Simpson, Linda (Ricky) Gales, Dianne (Joseph) Mc Dowell- Allen; treasured grandchildren Christopher (Cherika), Kimberly (Terrence), Stephanie (William), Michelle (Duane) Jelani, Akilah and ten treasured great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Remember Ida’s favorite quotes: “to keep hope alive” and “don’t let anyone steal your joy”.