La Jean Renetha Downs

LA JEAN RENETHA DOWNS

Granada Hills, California

La Jean Renetha Downs, 94, of Granada Hills, California, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, June 6, 2025. 

La Jean was born January 23, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late Howard and Clara (Forte) Walker. La Jean grew up in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. She had a wonderful childhood and accepted Christ at an early age. After graduating from high school, La Jean completed a bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama in 1952. La Jean then married the future Dr. Marvin H. Downs Sr. in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama on April 10, 1954. To this union four children were born – Marvin, Myron, Michael, and Cassandra.

La Jean began her career as an elementary school teacher. She transitioned to staying home to raise her large family. As their children became older, she joined her husband’s growing veterinary practice as a hospital administrator and was key to its success.

La Jean had a great many interests, which included sewing, cooking, gardening, fishing, and listening to music. She loved sports, particularly the youth sporting events of her children. She also closely followed the USC Trojans, LA Lakers, LA Dodgers, and LA Rams.

La Jean embodied Christ’s love of humanity through her steadfast love of family and friends. She will always be remembered for her humility, kindness, and gentle spirit. She was a firm believer in the importance of education and passed this belief on to her children. When they were young, she would often sing and read to her children and help them with their homework.

She is survived by her sons Marvin Heube Downs Jr., Dr. Myron Orlando (Dr. Anita Stampley) Downs, and Michael Anthony Downs; four grandchildren Christina, Katherine, Noah, and William.

She is preceded in death by her parents Howard P. Walker Sr. and Clara F. Walker, her husband Dr. Marvin H. Downs Sr., brother Howard P. Walker Jr., and daughter Cassandra A. Downs.

The celebration of life will be held on Tuesday June 24, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Rose Family Funeral Home Chapel in Simi Valley with Dr. Dewayne Winrow officiating the ceremony. The internment will be at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth.

For more information visit www.rosefamilyfuneralhome.com or call 805-581-3800.