Tiara Onay Mcdowney

Tiara Onay McDowney, 22, of King George, VA was surrounded by her loving family as she passed away peacefully on July 8, 2023 at her home. She was born in Fredericksburg, VA on October 9, 2000.

Tiara attended King George County schools and graduated with honors in 2019. Following high school graduation, she attended Virginia State University. During the COVID pandemic, Tiara left campus and returned home to take online classes. While at home, she held several jobs while attending virtual classes. She worked at Subway, Tropical Smoothie, and Goodwill. She loved her boss, Cadorrian Shepard and she was loved by the customers at Goodwill. Despite taking online classes and undergoing treatment after cancer returned, she continued to work.

Despite all odds, Tiara earned her Bachelor of Science degree from VSU in Psychology during a special ceremony at home in May 2023. She wanted to work with children.

Tiara loved shopping on Amazon and various other stores. She enjoyed dressing up, going out to eat, traveling, doing her hair and makeup for herself and others. She also enjoyed singing on the choir at Little Ark Baptist church when she was young.

Tiara loved spending time with family and close friends. She enjoyed driving around in her car listening to music with her cousins, friends, niece and her dog, Oreo. She had a special place in her heart for her dog, Oreo. He was a faithful companion throughout her battle with cancer.

While she was going through her sickness, Tiara encouraged her friends and often offered advice and always had a listening ear.

Tiara was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Dora Robinson; paternal grandfather, Walter McDowney, Sr.; paternal uncles, Kevin McDowney and Jeremaine Cooper; paternal aunt, Juanita McDowney-Swinson; maternal uncles, Thomas Savoy and Stephen Martin Robinson.

Tiara is survived by her parents, Walter McDowney, Jr. (Shorty) and Tiffany Cepelle McDowney; brothers, Ty’shuan and Trevon McDowney; sister, Alaysha Smith; maternal grandparents, Anthony and Loretta Savoy, Farrish and Birma Purce; paternal grandparents, Jeanette Brown and Pastor Welford and Mrs. Beulah McDowney; uncles, Timothy Robinson, Michael Savoy, and Farrish Purce, Jr.; aunts, Tameka McDowney, Tanika Robinson, and Tyonie Purce; three very special cousins whom she loved very much – Devante, Destinee, and Danelle Gaines; and a very special niece, Serenity McDowney with whom she would play with, spoil her, and take her anywhere; a host of aunts and uncles; a host of special friends that are too numerous to name.

Burial will be held at the McDowney Family Cemetery near the following address:

2602 Pomona Rd.

Colonial Beach, VA  22443