Thomas Lee Downs

Thomas Lee Downs was born on February 23, 1947, to Jozzie Bell Stone in Columbus, Ohio. He attended Columbus Public Schools and later served in the U.S. Army with his childhood friend Herman Walker. 

In 1973 he met the love of his life Mattie Holeman, and they were united in Holy Matrimony on May 18, 1974. Thomas worked for Buckeye Steel Company and Lennox Industries and later started his concrete business, Downs Masonry. 

Thomas dedicated his life to Christ and became a faithful member of the Traveler’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and member of the Male Chorus and Mass Choir despite health challenges. Later, Thomas joined New Birth Christian Ministries, under Bishop Kenneth E. Moore Sr. 

Thomas enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, bowling, fellowshipping with family and friends, and of course good food. With a quiet and peaceful spirit, Thomas was always willing to share his testimony of how his Lord and Savior brought him out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Thomas inspired and encouraged many and was well thought of by those who knew him.

Thomas peacefully departed this life on December 9, 2024, with his loving wife of 50 years by his side. He is preceded in death by his mother (Jozzie Stone) and survived by his wife Mattie, Ella Collins (Sister), beloved nieces Anita Panell and Bernetta Holmes and nephew Gary Collins. Children: Clarissa Collins (Anthony), Dawn Walker (Paul), and Lemuel Holeman (Celeste). As well as Eight Grandchildren, Seven Great-Grandchildren a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.