OBITUARY
Terry O. Downer
February 9, 1955 – June 1, 2013
Terry O. Downer, an insurance company claims adjuster and world traveler, died Saturday from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center.The Towson resident was 58.
Born in Baltimore to a single mother, Terry O'Neal Downer was raised at the old Lexington Terrace public housing high-rise that was later demolished.
Mr. Downer received a full scholarship to McDonogh School, but transportation difficulties forced him to leave and enroll at Northwestern High School, from which he graduated in 1973. He enrolled at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, from which he earned a bachelor's degree in history in 1977. While a student at UMBC, he met and fell in love with the former Pamela Joette Thompson, whom he married in 1979. He enrolled in the master's in business program at the University of Maryland at night, while working as a counselor at Marian House for battered women and as a drug counselor.
In 1982, his son, Ryan Chasce Downer, was born, and four months later Mr. Downer's wife was stricken with an aneurysm and died. Faced with being a single parent, Mr. Downer withdrew from the University of Maryland and went to work full time as an insurance claims adjuster for the Traveler's Insurance Co., where he continued working until his death.
Mr. Downer, worried about the deterioration of the city's Pimlico neighborhood, moved to Towson with his son. Acutely aware of the advantages he lacked growing up, Mr. Downer worked tirelessly so that his son could attend parochial schools and later the Park School, from which he graduated. When his son was accepted at Harvard University, he took out a second mortgage on his home, said his son, who is now a Washington lawyer.
Mr. Downer and his son traveled all over the world together and had visited Brussels, Amsterdam, Cyprus and Brazil. He enjoyed gardening — especially roses — and maintaining his koi pond.
In addition to his son, Mr. Downer is survived by his mother, Della Downer of Baltimore; six brothers, James Downer, Tony Downer, Alan Downer, Victor Downer, Spencer Downer, all of Baltimore, and Barry Downer of Atlanta; and a sister, Sharon Downer of Baltimore.
The family will receive friends in the LEMMON FUNERAL HOME OF DULANEY VALLEY INC. 10 W. Padonia Road, Timonium, MD 21093 on Saturday, June 8th, 12noon to 1pm at which time a Celebration of Terry's Life will begin. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed in Terry's memory to ALS Association - DC/MD/VA Chapter, 7507 Standish Place Rockville, MD 20855 &/or Life Chronicles, 113 W. Mission Street, Suite B2, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Services
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Memorial Gathering Saturday, June 8, 2013
- Celebration Of Life Saturday, June 8, 2013
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Interment
REMEMBERING
Terry O. Downer
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYreceive updates when new memories are posted
RECEIVE UPDATESMelba (DeShields) Holmes
July 9, 2013
My condolences to the Downer family. Wow...I am totally shocked to just now learn about Terry's death and it was quite by accident. I just recently joined FB and was searching for some info on Northwestern's page when I came across the obituary of Terry. Chasce you don't know me, but I know when you were born. I knew your mother Pam also! Your father helped me & my husband at the time (Donnell Epps- one of his best childhood friends up until adulthood) after your mother died because I too had a brain aneurysm at the age of 35. Your father helped me & Donnell through this & to understand my ailment. I thanked GOD for him for being there for us & being a true friend! I hadn't seen him since you were a toddler & Donnell & I had divorced, but always cherished Terry as a friend! It is very ironic that I suffered the same thing that your mom unfortunately perished from and I understand what your dad went through as I too lost my brother in 2007 to this same disease (ALS) at the age of 61. Chasce as I read about you I see that you are a very intelligent & accomplished young man and I know that both your parents were very proud of you & are watching over you from heaven! I wish I had been able to see Terry again before his death & also wish I had known once he passed away. God bless you and your family.
My prayers are with you!
Melba (DeShields) Holmes
(he knew me as Epps)
Deb Hannon
July 1, 2013
Chasce - I am so, so sad to hear that your Dad passed on. I will miss him very much. I worked very closely with your Dad for 22 years. However, we were friends most of all. I met you when you were 8 years old, so you probably don't remember. However, I enjoyed hearing about you over the years. Your Dad adored you and was so proud of you. I will keep you in my prayers. Deb Hannon
Roxanne Cotton
June 13, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Downer family! I had not seen or spoke with Terry in years! I remember the Lexington Terrace days (Saratoga Street@ Fremont! Terry, my cousin and I attended PS#19 together! He will truly be missed, but always remembered.
Sincerely, Roxanne (nee-Watson) Cotton
Michael Turner
June 12, 2013
I worked with Terry at the Blakehurst Retirement Community for a number of years. He was always pleasant, and always thoughtful. A joy to be around and to communicate with. He always talked about his family.
Laura Zaharris
June 11, 2013
I worked with Terry at Travelers on a mutual account for several years. Even though we didn't work in the same office, I felt like we became good friends over the years. I enjoyed speaking with him regularly and seeing him every year at the annual meeting. He had a kind, gentle spirit that was so comforting. I was truly sad to hear about his passing and he will be missed greatly.
June 10, 2013
To Terry's family & Friends,
I would like to offer my sincerest Condolences on the passing of Terry.
I will always cherish the good memories of him and his kind and gentle spirit. The world has lost a good person who will be missed by all.
RIP Terry
Your Friend
Steven Riley
Upper Marlboro MD
Michael Cooper
June 8, 2013
Ryan, I met you and your father back in 1995. I will never forget his kind and gentle spirit. I am so sorry for your loss. May peace be with you and your family.
Karen E. Sutton
June 8, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Downer's family from a fellow Wildcat, and a former Retriever. He will be greatly missed.
Ronald Harriott
June 8, 2013
I too had the pleasure of working with Terry at Travelers and am saddened with his passing. Terry was easy going, expressive, frank and gregarious; a socially dexterous individual. At the same time, he took no mess from anyone. He handled his business well. I admired those qualities in him. Now, while Terry will be absent from our presence, he has left indelible impressions on our hearts and minds. Our individual and mutual memories of him will endure. So, whether it is his broad smile, laughter, steady gait, sartorial style, words of advice, kind act or warm demeanor, each of us have our personal recollections – his gift to us, that preserves the essence of Terry. Chasce, family members, relatives and grieving friends, I pray God's special peace to you all.
Yvonne Galloway
June 8, 2013
Ryan
Although I did not have the honor of meeting your Dad, I can tell he was an extraordinary man and will be missed. His light will always shine through you. My sincere condolences for your loss.
Victoria Gibson
June 7, 2013
chase may God comfort you call me grandma Vicki Gibson
410 298 9682 home. 443 740 0333 cell
Michael Allen
June 7, 2013
I an so sorry for your loss. I meet Terry in the summer of 1973 at UMBC. We were roommats during the weekned at UMBC
Held by The Black Student Union. I will miss Terry and I Thank God for Terry Friendship. May God be with you and your family.
Stephanie Andersen
June 7, 2013
Terry was one of the most authentic and kind people I ever had occasion to speak with. My conversations with Terry, ostensibly about work but really about life, stuck to my ribs, and twenty years later I still feel lucky to have crossed his path. His son should be very proud of the person his father was.
Sue Buckingham
June 7, 2013
Terry's infectious smile and extra sweet disposition always lit up a room, even if it was a windowless office. I know he is now lighting up Heaven, but we sure are going to miss him here. It was my pleasure to know and work with Terry for 14 years. The office and the world is a much better place because he was among us.
Diana Bowers
June 7, 2013
Ryan:
It was an honor to meet and know your father through your extended family. The one memory that I will cherish about your Dad was the positive energy I felt whenever in his presence. A true gift.
May God continue to bless you, your family and anyone affected by Terry's grace.
Praying for your strength,
Diana Bowers
June 6, 2013
Terry, I will always remember your smile and your special laugh. It was a pleasure to have known you.
Coyette Holley, Wausau, WI.
ROSA Harvin-Patterson
June 6, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Rick Ehlers
June 6, 2013
I've thought of you often these past few months and now it seems clear why. I am glad to have known you and counted you among my friends. Your qualities remain inspiring and your spirit generous. Rest in peace, you will be truly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with Chasce and the rest of the family and friends.
Fondly and from afar, your friend.
Mark Ayers
June 6, 2013
Terry was an extraordinary individual, definitely one of brightest people I've ever met. You and your accomplishments, your dedication to your family and friends, and your willingness to help others without hesitation will never be forgotten in this world or the next. Take care my friend; I'll see again, I'll see you again.
Mark B. Ayers, Warner Robins, Georgia (Former resident of Lexington Terrace)
Joyce Rice-Newmuis
June 6, 2013
Terry Downer what can I say. What a wonderful, loving, caring person. Since the day, we met working at USF&G and even after, you were always that person, who listen we I just needed to vent, laugh when I needed to smile, and when I needed a gift idea for my husband, I could always count on Terry's impeccable sense of style and class, to help me make the right decision. You will truly be missed. God Bless You.
Larry Kirkland
June 6, 2013
A loving farewell to my dear friend for over 30 years. I will miss you. We shall meet again. REST IN PEACE
Tony Marchena
June 6, 2013
I was very fortunate to have met Terry. Always showed true friendship and for that I am totaly grateful. May God Bless his Family and console them in their time of sorrow.
Marlene Amdur-Ferguson
June 6, 2013
So sorry to hear about my former Northwestern HS Class of 1973 classmate. I remember him very fondly.
Cynthia Pullen Jones
June 5, 2013
Terry was such an awesome man who was a devoted father and friend. We were blessed to have shared some time with him. Know that your father loved you and was so proud of you. My prayers are with you.
Vanessa Jackson
June 5, 2013
Words cannot express how I feel. Terry was the truest kind of friend and I will miss him terribly, especially our dancing...no one could do it like Terry! I thank God for allowing Terry to be a part of my life..as a result, my life was much richer! I am praying that God will continually provide the Family with peace beyond all understanding.
Humbly Submitted
Brenda Tiller-Ransom
June 5, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Suzanne Barnard
June 5, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. This is Suzanne, the nurse who helped Terry to pass peacefully into Heaven. I've been thinking about you all, but especially Chasce! What a beautiful obituary tribute!!! Terry sounds like he was a WONDERFUL Dad, man and friend. SO HANDSOME! It's nice to see a pix of Terry when he was enjoying his life. Sounds like he always made the best life choices, especially in times of dispare. I can't believe how much he and Chasce look alike. May the Grace and Peace of God be with your family during this difficult time.
Arnold Faucette
June 5, 2013
God bless the family in these difficult times as god has called home our dear friend.
Vivian D. Jeffers-Wilbourn
June 5, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I graduated from High School with Terry as well as UMBC in 1977, we both majored in History. I remember his kindness, calm nature and warm smile. We are praying that God will give you peace during this difficult time.
MAXINE VICTOR
June 5, 2013
May you rest in peace and be happy at home with our Father. You are loved and will truly be missed.
Charmaine Crawford-Gregg
June 5, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lenda Powell Hill
June 5, 2013
The world is a much sadder place without his infectious smile and warm heart. Terry was a very special person, a Wildcat, and touched all who knew him. May the Heavenly Father welcome him into his kingdom.
Northwestern '73
John Crowell
June 5, 2013
Terry Downer was a great guy. The world has lost a true gentleman. No one disliked him and every one I knew admired him deeply. He was a good claim handler but a better friend and a fine father. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
John D. Crowell
Nzinga Ama Linton
June 5, 2013
An angelic, kind, sweet soul in life...now an angel eternally
June 5, 2013
I am very sorry for your loss. During this difficult time you can find comfort in Gods word the bible and through prayer.
June 5, 2013
One cannot have met Terry and not have been touched by his sincerity,radiant spirit and engaging smile. He shared his life with a devoted son, a loving family and a host of friends. His life touched many people in very special ways.
May his enduring spirit give you hope, love, peace and comfort.
Harvey L. Evans, Baltimore,Maryland
Tyrone Generette
June 5, 2013
My prayers are with you during your loss. Terry will surely be missed..I am lost for words but do remmber that God is with you during these times.
Kimber Scott
June 4, 2013
I feel so very fortunate to have known Terry, first as a co-worker in 1988 and then as a long-time friend. For those who knew and loved him, Terry was many, many things. He was caring, kind, understanding, optimistic and creative, to name just a few of his outstanding qualities. In Terry's memory, may we all learn from and carry forward the gifts he gave to us.
Olivia Sterrett
June 4, 2013
My heart is heavy and tears are falling. Over the years, you have given me such positive feedback on life as you know it. You shared so many of your travel experience with me; in my mind, I traveled with you. I will forever cherish our friendship and remember the events and nights out on the town with you and the guys. Kisses and much love to my family friend.
Denise Fox-Maddox
June 4, 2013
My deepest sympathy is extended to Terry's family and friends. As a student at UMBC I remember Terry's radiant smile and laughter. Terry's kind words and smile where like the warm rays of the sun on pleasant spring day! When you were greeted by Terry you knew you were received by a warm and caring person. May each of you cherish your special memories of Terry
Eugene Oliver
June 3, 2013
Terry, you will truly be missed. You were one of the good ones. My prayers to your family.
June 3, 2013
Terry:
I dont know where to begin. A great friend, a loving father-you had the most remarkable smile. You brought joy and love into my life and for that I will forever be grateful. I will miss you. Sending prayers and healing thoughts to the family during this difficult time.
Anna M. Williams
Ronald Hawkins
June 3, 2013
"Terry", thanks for the friendship and the great and wonderful person you were.
Your kindness and loving spirit was a joy to many - especially your UMBC family. Rest in peace - you are and were a good person - may your spirit be ever present eternally..."
Ronald and Valerie Hawkins - UMBC
Maria Howell
June 3, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jenn Mikulski
June 3, 2013
Terry was truly a good and wise soul. He could always make me laugh. He will be missed terribly.
Annie Eagles
June 3, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Terry's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Terry at USF&G. I have always held Terry in such high regard. He was a man of amazing talent, skill, always the consumate gentleman. The world was a better place because of Terry's time here on earth. My deepest sympathy to Chasce and all of Terry's family and friends. He will be missed.