Darlene B. McDowney

Darlene Bernetta McDowney daughter of the late James Henry and Daisy Mae (Curry) McDowney was born on February 9, 1957, in Washington, DC. Affectionally known as “DD” she was one of 12 children. On May 16, 2025 she transition peacefully at Georgetown Hospital surrounded by family.

Darlene was educated in the King George County Public School System. For most of her life, she was employed in the Food Industry. She was a hard worker who anyone could depend on day or night. When called upon she would not hesitate to show up and show out.

She was a die hard Washington Redskins *not Commanders* fan and had the jacket from 1989 to prove it. She was very big on family being together so she hosted many Sunday and holiday dinners so everyone could be together. Our mom had the biggest heart. She would lay you out, fix you a plate, then send you home with extra all at the same time. She had a nickname for everyone and everything. She had her own language such as “I have to get back to LP City”, meaning she had to hurry up and get to Lexington Park, MD.

She is preceded in death by her oldest son Robert McDowney, her beloved Vincent Dickens, her parents James & Daisy McDowney, her siblings Melvin McDowney and Virginia Hubbard, grandson Diondrae Shade, niece Daisy McDowney and nephew Lionel McDowney.

She leaves to cherish her memory her only daughter Sylena (Stanky) McDowney-Gaskins (Royal), sons Corey McDowney, Damien Bonds (Shortstop), Eric Bonds (Easy) (Jackie). 12 grandchildren Dexter Gantt Jr. (Rabbit), KeAndre Gantt (Penny), Robert McDowney Jr. (Robbie), Kemya McDowney (Shainae), Trinik King (Tator), Erica (Ms. B) and Eric Jr. (JJ) Bonds, Tamia Davenport, Journey Hill, Khadijah Adams (Cupcake), DevonteTaylor, and Tatyanna Jones (Taty), great-grands Aiden King (Scobby), Kaleb King (Scrappy), Ariyah Gray (Angel), Lelani James (Kitten), Kalaya Gutridge (Kueenie), DeAndre Owens Jr. (Money), Malia McDowney (MiMi), Naomi (Nae) and Noelle (Ellie) Gantt, Diondre Shade Jr. (Firecracker) and Demoni Shade (Chicpea) brothers Kenneth McDowney (Kenny) (Plee), Kevin McDowney (Kervin)(Vickie), Mark McDowney (Nick)(Lyndra), John McDowney (Jr.), sisters Parithia McDowney (Duck), Sandra Redd (Sandy) (Tony), Earsley Robinson (Reginald). Two godchildren Rosalee McDowney (Rosey) and Calvin Shubrooks Jr. (Mouse). Extended family members Tawanda Barnett and Tonyette Lawrence. Best friends Valerie Shubrooks (Gwinny), Brenda Robinson, and Lisa Barnes. Along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and people who just loved her.