Willie Jr. McDowell

Willie Junior McDowell, passed away on Saturday morning, November 20, 2021. Willie heard the Father’s voice and he answered his call to come home and rest from his labor on Earth and receive his heavenly reward.

On December 15, 1960, Willie was born to the late Mr. Johnny Gardner and Mrs. Robertha Fleming and raised by the late Mr. Rudolph Fleming. Willie received his education at East Clarendon High School. In August 1981, he married the former Eva Mae Harrison and with this union was blessed with four children. Willie was a hard worker and he did every job he held with dignity. He was employed with Matthews Farms until his untimely death. Besides his love for working, Willie enjoyed singing gospel music.

Willie was preceded in death by his father, Mr. Johnny D.Gardner, his stepfather, Mr. Rudolph Fleming, grandmothers, Mrs. Evelina McDowell and Mrs. Annie Mae Shaw, and one brother, Charles Gardner
Willie leaves to cherish his memories: his loving mother: Mrs. Robertha Fleming, two beautiful daughters: Ronetta (Jeffrey) Lee of Columbia, SC, Sheena McDowell of Scranton, SC, three handsome sons: William (Alice) McDowell of Loris, SC, Demetric (April) McDowell of Lake City, SC, Shattling (Yolonda) McDowell of Houston, TX. Six beautiful sisters: Mauble (Donnie) Montgomery of Turbeville, SC, Rosa Lee (Levern) Goodman of Turbeville, SC, and Evelyn (Kevin) Green of Sumter, SC, Sherrie(Spencer) Harrison of Florence, SC, Lori G. Smith of Olanta, SC, and Alisha G. Epps of Olanta, SC. Two brothers; Jimmy (Sonequa) Fleming of Lithonia, Ga., and Johnny Gardner, Jr. of Olanta, SC. Eight special aunts; Delphine Gardner, Annette Nero, Barbara McElveen, and Bertell (Joseph) Roberson all of Olanta, SC, Betty Jean McDowell and Lorraine Geralds of Loris, SC, Christine Shaw of Lake City, SC, Pearlie Mae Shaw of Gable, SC. A special friend; Martha Gardner of Lumberton, NC, 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.