Mr. Clarence Alphonso McDowney

It is with great sadness that we share that Clarence Alphonso McDowney was called home to rest on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in his home in District Heights, Maryland, at the age of 76. Clarence brought so much light, love, and laughter into our lives. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was born to the late Wesley McDowney Sr. and Gertrude Mason McDowney on May 14, 1949, in Westmorland County. He received his education through the Westmorland County Public School System. Clarence loved and believed in the Lord. He would always say "If the Lord's will" He enjoyed being around family and friends. He was the type of person who would worry about you and not himself. He always made sure to tell family and friends "you be safe". He loved to sing and listen to music. He would sing "Me and My Gang" with so much pride and conviction. Clarence moved to Washington DC during the 70s. During that time, he met and married Irvinia Wright (Smith). During their 7-year union their child Nakisha McDowney was born. In the 80s Clarence became employed with Church's Landscaping located in Oxon Hill, MD. He felt a sense of pride in planting shrubs and flowers. He would often be found smiling from the joy his job brought him. During this time, Clarence began a relationship with Ms. Leslie Wingate. They ensured that the children had respect, love, and a strong family unity. In the early 2000's Clarence met Ms. Lelia Dais whom he stayed in a relationship with until his death. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Alice, Little Gertie, Curtis, Isabelle, Yvonne, Wesley, Charles, Walter, Abe, Emmanuel, Abraham, and William. Clarence is survived by his daughter Nakisha Ashanta McDowney, and Son-in-Law, Nathan Edward Smith, Jr.; grandchildren: Tymeka McDowney, Alexus Parker, James Norman III, Jamisha Norman, DanaJuar Mcdowney, Phoenix-Justice Smith, and Egypt- Adorn Smith; great-grandchildren: Journey-Chyenne Parker and Kash-Kamirii Parker; siblings Rev. Welford McDowney, and Mary Wyetta Simms. He is also survived by several sisters-in-law, including Beulah McDowney, Elizabeth McDowney, Jeanette McDowney, Louise McDowney, and Virginia McDowney. A longtime companion, Lelia Dais as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Clarence on October 13, 2025, in Suitland, MD at 1:00 PM. This will be a time to honor his memory with love, laughter, and heartfelt moments shared with his loved ones. The family will then have an Interment of Ashes Ceremony in King George, Virginia,

Mr. Clarence Alphonso McDowney

May 14, 1949 - September 25, 2025