Willette Mcdowney Greene

It was once said that, not just life, but a good life, is to be valued above all. With over 89 years of a Godly filled life, the days and times of Deaconess Willette McDowney Davis Greene were valued beyond measure.

She was the daughter of the late Ernest Andrew and Mary Emma Lomax McDowney. Willette graced the world with her presence on July 15, 1934 in King George, VA. She was raised in Arlington, VA by her late maternal aunt, Elsie Lomax. She received her education in Arlington, VA at Hoffman Boston High School. She played softball and was known as the #1 pitcher. After graduation from High School she continued her studies at Cortez Peters Business College in Washington, DC. In 1954 she and the late George W. Davis Jr. were joined in holy matrimony. This beautiful union produced their five children: George W. Davis III, the late Ivan E. (Mary) Davis, Gordon B. Davis, Darcel A. (Vergil) Stuart, and Deborah W. Davis. Together they co-owned a convenience store called “Georgee’s Store” and a cab company called “Friendly Cab” in Arlington, VA. She was also a well-known private insurance agent in Alexandria, VA and was often featured in the Alexandria Gazette Newspaper for her high honors within the agency. She later retired from the Alexandria Detention Center as a Correctional Officer/Counselor. She was a faithful member of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Arlington, VA. All five of their five children were baptized there. After her retirement Willette remained active in her community. She continued to enjoy attending church functions, spending time with her grandchildren, shopping, staying informed and active with political issues, playing golf, and socializing amongst family and friends.

When she moved back home to King George, VA she chose to join her mother’s home church, Salem Baptist Church of King George, VA. After attending Salem for a few years she became an ordained Deaconess. She loved being surrounded by her family and treasured her trips to visit her daughter Darcel in Florida. Later in life, Willette married the late Norman Greene and gained a bonus daughter, Patricia Greene. Willette and Norman Greene enjoyed over 30 years together.

In the early morning at 4:55am on August 16, 2023, the Angels from heaven peacefully came down to carry her home to heaven. She joined her husband, parents, aunts, son Ivan Davis, grandson Jeffery Davis, sisters: Lillian Peyton, Viola Johnson, Leona Young, Bessie Ruffin, and brothers: Andrew L, James H, and Standley R. McDowney.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: George W. III., Gordon B. Davis, Darcel A. (Vergil) Stuart, Deborah W. Davis, and her bonus daughter Patricia Greene.

Her grandchildren, known to them as the foundation of the family: Ivan Rucker, Yolanda Tolson, J’on Smith, Danielle (Cori) Boudreaux, Robert Tolson II, Jaren (Jenneh) Cole, Enesha (Kenneth) Davis-Rivers, and Vergil Stuart II and a host of great and great-great grandchildren, plus nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

She will be truly missed by her dear siblings, brothers: Alexander V. (Darnell) McDowney of Maryland, Ernest W. (Alberta) McDowney of King George, VA, sisters: P. Evereda M. Taylor of Washington DC, Tameenah M. (Joseph) Dubose of Fairfax Station, VA, and Emma M. Johnson of King George, VA.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Proverbs 31:31

Burial will be at the Lomax McDowney Cemetery on Chastine Drive (14435 is closes address)