Lola Mcdowney

Reflections of Life

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around you, and whispered "Come to Me".
With tearful eyes we watched you, we watched you fade away.
Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands now rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Lola Otelia Ashton McDowney was born January 20, 1942 in Westmoreland County, VA. She departed this life on Monday, April 13, 2015 at VCU's Critical Care Hospital in Richmond, VA. She was the only daughter of the late William Harvey Ashton and Bettie Reed Ashton, and was call "Sis". Friends later called her "O.T." Growing up with four brothers, she became very tough and aggressive; but enjoyed playing jokes on them.
Lola attended school in Westmoreland County, graduating with the class of 1961 at the now defunct A.T. Johnson High School. At an early age, she accepted Christ, was baptized and united with the Morning Star Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. George Kelsey. She was actively involved; attending Sunday school and worship services.
On June 17, 1961, shortly after finishing high school, Lola was joined in Holy Matrimony to Standley Rayfield McDowney, Sr. This union was blessed with one son, Standley, Jr. who preceded her in death (2007). The couple settled in the Washington Metropolitan area where they lived for thirty three years. She was employed by the District of Columbia Government as an Accounting Technician in the Department of Employment Services.
Lola loved living in the Metropolitan area; but after her husband retired from PEPCO, the relocated to his native King George County. Lola commuted to her job until she retired on January 3, 2005. Living in King George, she united with Good Hope Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Ronald Dunaway. She was a dedicated member of the Flower and Beautification Ministry, serving as vice president, the Scholarship Committee and the Woman's Ministry. She remained faithful even though her health began to decline in July 2014 and her husband entered into eternal rest in August 2014.
Lola was a feisty lady who did not hesitate in telling others what she thought. She loved nice things and always wanted to look her best when she went outside the home. Her hair had to be styled perfectly. She always said, "I don't want anything that looks cheap'. She would sometimes say, "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets". Shopping was a favorite pastime, especially at Macy's. Her favorite food was seafood and she enjoyed eating it at the Red Lobster restaurants.
As her health changed in recent months and limited her mobility, she enjoyed sitting on her porch or her couch and watching the cars go by. She told her brother-in-law "Jimmy" and nephew "Kenney"," get rid of those trees so I can see the road'. Whatever came up, she always said, "Fermon will take care of it for me". Since her other brothers, Waldolph, Avon and Elvin predeceased her, she would sometimes just say, "contact my brother". She seemed to delight in telling others what to do and the smile, as if to say, I know you are going to do what I said.
Left to cherish her memory are: a caring granddaughter, Brittany McDowney, Silver Spring, MD; devoted daughter-in-law, Patricia McDowney, Hague, VA; step-daughter, Barbara Jean Payne, Washington, DC; brother, Fermon (Phyllis) Ashton, King George, VA; two brothers-in-law, Earnest Webster (Alberta) McDowney and Alexander Veola (Darnell) McDowney, of Brandywine, MD; six sisters-in-law, Helen Ashton of Montross, VA, Ethel Ashton of Lanham, MD, Everceda (Gerald) Taylor of Washington, DC, Willette (Norman) Greene of King George, VA, Tameenah (Joseph) Dubose of Fairfax Station, VA, and Emma (David) Johnson of King George, VA; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; devoted nephew, Kenneth McDowney; very special lifelong friend, Mary E. Jenkins; very helpful neighbor, Connie Jenkins; two loving caregivers, Shameika Lucas and Alexander "Bo" McDowney; her loving constant pet companion, "Sarge"; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sometimes it's hard to understand, harder still to say,
"Thy will be done", when sorrow comes and sadness fills the day.
But faith was meant for times like these, and if we take God's hand;
With loving wisdom He will help our heats to understand.
Sorrowfully, The family


Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535