Obituary for Sheilda A. Johnson (Downs)
Sheilda Ann Johnson, the first-born child to the late Vivian and James Downs, Sr., was born September 19, 1940 in Columbus, Ohio. She gained her heavenly wings on November 18, 2022.
Sheilda left home and joined the Navy on January 11, 1960. While serving, she also met her husband-to-be, Cecil Morris Johnson (of DuQuoin, Illinois). After serving for three years, Sheilda left the military, eventually finding work and settling down in Washington, D.C.
Sheilda and Cecil were united in marriage in January of 1963, and to this union two children were born: a daughter, Rochelle, and a son, Rodney. The Johnsons would travel home to Columbus, Ohio often to enjoy other family, all of whom
have remained very close throughout the years.
Sheilda worked at C&P Telephone Company, rising to the position of supervisor, After many years of working there, she was able to take an early retirement.
After visiting different churches in the Metro area, Sheilda found her church home at Hughes Memorial Methodist Church. She became a member and raised her children there, learning about the Lord. In addition, along with friends from her days in the Navy, Sheilda formed a social group called Quarters’ K. They enjoyed each other’s company immensely whenever they had the opportunity to get together. She also loved and made time to travel the world.
Sheilda was preceded in death by her husband Cecil, her parents Vivian and James Downs, and her son, Rodney. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Rochelle; two grandsons, Benjamin and Marcellis; six sisters and brothers:
Priscilla Spiller (Oakland, CA), Brenda Davis (Columbus, OH), James, Jr. (Brunswick, OH), Ronald (Sandra) Downs (Houston, TX), Aaron (Rae Ann) Downs (Buffalo, NY) and Bradley Downs (Brunswick, OH), along with many nieces, nephews, and other family members, as well as many friends.
John 16:22
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Sheilda left home and joined the Navy on January 11, 1960. While serving, she also met her husband-to-be, Cecil Morris Johnson (of DuQuoin, Illinois). After serving for three years, Sheilda left the military, eventually finding work and settling down in Washington, D.C.
Sheilda and Cecil were united in marriage in January of 1963, and to this union two children were born: a daughter, Rochelle, and a son, Rodney. The Johnsons would travel home to Columbus, Ohio often to enjoy other family, all of whom
have remained very close throughout the years.
Sheilda worked at C&P Telephone Company, rising to the position of supervisor, After many years of working there, she was able to take an early retirement.
After visiting different churches in the Metro area, Sheilda found her church home at Hughes Memorial Methodist Church. She became a member and raised her children there, learning about the Lord. In addition, along with friends from her days in the Navy, Sheilda formed a social group called Quarters’ K. They enjoyed each other’s company immensely whenever they had the opportunity to get together. She also loved and made time to travel the world.
Sheilda was preceded in death by her husband Cecil, her parents Vivian and James Downs, and her son, Rodney. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Rochelle; two grandsons, Benjamin and Marcellis; six sisters and brothers:
Priscilla Spiller (Oakland, CA), Brenda Davis (Columbus, OH), James, Jr. (Brunswick, OH), Ronald (Sandra) Downs (Houston, TX), Aaron (Rae Ann) Downs (Buffalo, NY) and Bradley Downs (Brunswick, OH), along with many nieces, nephews, and other family members, as well as many friends.
John 16:22
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.