Sam Cleveland McDowell

To our friends and families, in an effort to ensure the health and safety of everyone during this challenging time, and minimize the spread of COVID-19, we ask that all adhere to the precautions and guidelines established for attendance at the funeral home (mandatory masks) and (masks) at graveside  services and practicing social distancing.  Anyone who exhibits symptoms please show your support by sending flowers and words of comfort to the family. 

A TIME TO BE BORN: Sam Cleveland McDowell was born March 27, 1941 to the late Clelier McDowell Simmons in Lanes, South Carolina.

A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER THE HEAVENS: Sam accepted Christ as his personal Saviour  early in life at Bethel AME Church in Lanes, SC, where he was a faithful member.  He graduated from Williamsburg County Training School/ C. E. Murray in 1960.  Sam was a Honorable Discharged United States Army Veteran who received the Vietnam Service Metal and A Good Conduct Medal. After serving in the army Sam relocated to New York City, NY and was employed with Joseph E. Elitto Trucking Company for over forty years. Sam returned to South Carolina in the year of 2000 and subsequently became a disciple of Chesterfield M. B. Church.

Sam leaves cherish memories to his loving wife, Vernell; five children, Althea (Dexter) Perry of Clanton, DE, Shenea (Chase) Watson of Troy, NY, Erwin McDowell of Vanetta, NY, Fredrecker Shaw of Columbia, SC, and Wanda Felder of Longs, SC; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Raleigh (Cookie) Simmons; one aunt, Geneva Stamp; a host of nieces and nephews; special cousins, the entire McDowell/Parson family, Ossie Matthews, Reverend Dr. James R. Matthews, Joella and Edward McQueen; special friends, Howard Barrett, Robert McLoren and  the crew from “The Farm and Shed”; special sons, Simon Clemmons  and Van Lane; his extended family the Bryant’s , JB, Julia, Carolyn, Helen, Brenda and Jimmy; other cousins, relatives and friends.

 Sam is preceded in death by his siblings, Sheila Simmons, Abraham Simmons and Judeudia Brounson.

 A TIME TO DIE: Sam departed this earthly life on February 22, 2021.

Graveside services will be recorded and streamed live. In the event the service is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire service will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the service. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sam Cleveland McDowell, please visit our floral store.