A Time to Be Born 

John Lambert Downes was born on April 7, 1920, to the late Hannah Dixon in the city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA. Most of his early childhood was spent in Fairview, VA with the Dixon family. Later in life he was entrusted to Sophia Brickhouse and family. 

He attended public schools and graduated from Tidewater, later he went to trade school in Manassas, VA. John was a great scholar with plenty of knowledge about mostly everything. 

John was a great lecturer, loved politics, and was an excellent horseshoe thrower and domino player. 

A Time to Embrace 

The revelation of God called John to be a carpenter by trade, taking apprenticeship under the late John Nottingham, SR. He was a proud builder and took great pride in his work. Taking great pride in the relationship he remained to have with the Nottingham family until departure. Taking them as his adopted sisters and brothers. 

A Time to Every Purpose 

John Downes purpose on earth was to fulfill God's purpose to be a good person according to God's heart. God has made many promises in Jeremiah 3:15 and I will give according to my heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. That's how we will remember him as John the Builder, like Joseph the carpenter in the Bible. 

A Time To Mourn 

John leaves to cherish his beautiful memories, his devoted daughter Iris Downes Baker (who untiringly cared for him during his lengthy illness), one grandson James Lambert Baker(Pam) of Cape Charles, VA; one granddaughter Yvette Baker Gillis (Leon) of Colorado Springs, CO, they were affectionately called his Junebug and Ladybug as they were growing up. John had 8 great grandchildren, Stephanie Baker, DeVaughn Baker, Terrance Edwards, James Baker Jr, JoRon Baker, DeLante Gillis and Leon Gillis Jr., 9 great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and many loving friends; to God be the Glory. Special family and friends are the Nottingham's, John and Linwood Morris, Cecil Joynes, Jr. and Kathy Edwards (he loved her delicious pies).