Teresa McDowney

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, Teresa Darlene McDowney passed away surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born on July 15, 1971, to Brenda and Roger Young in Welch, West Virginia. Teresa received her education in the Wyoming County School System in West Virginia. She later attended the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy for Animal Control Basic Training.

In 2007, Teresa met Kevin McDowney and they were joined in Holy Matrimony on February 14, 2009. They were inseparable! You rarely saw Kevin without “Reesie” (as Teresa was called) unless she was working.

Teresa was baptized at an early age and joined the Indian Creek Baptist Church in Indian Creek, West Virginia. In 2017, she rededicated her life to the Lord, was baptized alongside her husband, and joined the New Monrovia Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Welford B. McDowney. Teresa loved attending church and her church family. Even as she endured medical treatment, Teresa remained steadfast in her dedication and attended church when she was physically able to do so.

Teresa worked at Shoppers Food Warehouse for 18 years as a Senior Receiver. She was employed with the King George Sheriff’s Office as an Animal Control Officer from 2013-2020 and was employed with the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office at the time of her passing. While with the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office, she served as the Animal Shelter Manager, Animal Control Officer, and Animal Advocate. In every position, Teresa was a dedicated worker. Even when she was not working with the Sheriff’s Office, she would often answer text messages about dangerous dogs in the middle of the night and help the community with animal related matters. She loved her puppies! Her dog, Nitro, brought her so much joy for 13 years until he crossed the rainbow bridge.

Family was of utmost importance to Teresa. She loved spending time with family, attending family events and caring for her parents. Her love for her son Nathaniel, whom she referred to as her pride and joy, was a testament to the depth of a mother’s devotion. From the moment he entered her life, Nathaniel became the heart of Teresa’s world. Through every triumph and trial, she stood as Nathaniel’s unwavering champion and steadfast anchor. Their bond was and will remain unbreakable.

In her down time, Teresa enjoyed going to the beach and the racetrack. Aligning with her sweet and positive personality, Teresa loved bright colors and enjoyed coordinating her shoes with her outfit. Her bright personality and infectious laughter brought joy to all who knew her. Some of her favorite sayings were: “God love them,” “I know that’s right,” “I love you guys,” and “Big ole’ bunches.”

Teresa was often described as a sweet and kind lady, often assisting her family, friends, and the community. While Teresa was a genuinely kind and sweet natured person, she was also very straightforward – leaving little room for misinterpretation. If Teresa said it, she meant it. She was a protector of her family and what was right.
She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Eunice and Alvin Thomas; paternal grandparents, Laura and Nolan Young; and mother-in-law, Carasile McDowney.

Teresa leaves to cherish her precious memory, her husband, Kevin McDowney of Colonial Beach, VA; son, Nathaniel Pittman (Parker Yarbrough) of Williamsburg, VA; bonus son, Dondray McDowney of Caroline, VA; grandchildren, Draydon and Draya McDowney of Caroline, VA; parents, Brenda and Roger Young of King George, VA; sisters, Angie Young and Melissa Brown (Eddie) of King George, VA; brother, Roger “Dale” Young (Mary) of Fredericksburg, VA; father-in-law, Harry McDowney, sisters-in-law, Sharon McDowney of Colonial Beach, VA and Cheryl Lee (Herman III) of Montross, VA; brother-in-law, Timothy McDowney (Ginny) of Colonial Beach, VA; nieces, Tiffany Nunez (Colten), Alesha Williamson (Kevin), Ebony Quitno, Shantel Beverly, and Shadonna McDowney; nephews, Brian Brown, Dustin Brown (Brittany), Brandon Young, Christopher Crawford, Timothy Wheeler, Frankie McDowney, Herman Lee IV, Byron Brown, Dmitri Lee, Timothy McDowney Jr, and Mekhi Lee; her beloved puppy, Luna; special friends, Dr. Samantha Judge and Wendy Veliz; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, family members, and friends.

The passing of Teresa was an unimaginable loss to her beloved family, friends, and community. While we will miss her in this earthly realm, we thank God for her healing and restoration through Christ Jesus.

A Service of Remembrance for Teresa McDowney of Colonial Beach, Virginia will be held on Tuesday, March 5 at 11AM in the sanctuary of the Little Zion Baptist Church, 7748 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove, Virginia. 

Interment will follow in the Johnson Family Cemetery, Stony Knoll Road, Colonial Beach, Virginia.

Remains may be viewed from 5PM Until 8PM on Monday March 4 in the sanctuary of the New Monrovia Baptist Church, 121 New Monrovia Road, Colonial Beach, Virginia, and from 10AM until service time on Tuesday March 5 at Little Zion Baptist Church.

Teresa was the Westmoreland County Animal Shelter Manager, Animal Control Officer and Animal Advocate.

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