Jeremiah 29:11

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The Life and Legacy of Jeremiah Leonard Downing

Jeremiah who was affectionately known as “Jay “was born on February 13, 2001, to Cassandra and Wendell Downing, Sr. Jeremiah transitioned from his earthly life on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025. Jeremiah’s relationship with Jesus began at an early age. He was baptized by Pastor Chris Janeau at Changing a Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church of Boutte.

Jeremiah never met a stranger as he had a heart bigger than life and a personality to match. He loved to laugh, enjoy life, make jokes and help everybody he thought he could. His cousins would spend countless time on the phone in his group chat as he called everybody with his niece Aria on facetime making everybody laugh. He was the life of the party, family functions and everybody loved to be in his company. He loved his family and had a very special relationship with his mom and dad. Since birth Jeremiah has excelled in everything he put his hands to do. He was in gifted and talented drama, was always in the top of his class academically and performed in various live productions throughout elementary and high school.

He loved football and played recreation ball for Boutte in his youth under the leadership of Coach Lionel, Coach Dominick and Coach White. From there they would cultivate in him a desire to play football while in high school. In high school, Jeremiah was instrumental in helping his team, The West St John Rams win the High School Championship in his Junior year of High School. He was competitive on and off the field and graduated in the top 10 of his graduating class.

Jeremiah was accepted into Howard University in Washington DC where he pursued a degree in chemical engineering. While at Howard Jeremiah earned the title of Mr. Freshman 2019-2020 and was a part of the Howard Royal Court. After an eventful 4 years at Howard, Jeremiah transferred to Southern University and A&M College to complete his senior year pursuing a double major in chemistry and then engineering as a dual enrolled student.

Jeremiah’s memory will be forever cherished by his parents Cassandra Toumba and Wendell Downing, Sr, Grandparents Lee and Emelda Turner, 2 brothers Wendell Jr and Zion, 3 sisters Jacoria, Jalieya, Courtney, 4 aunts Terrica (Corey), Christina, Ingrid, Gidget, 2 uncles Jamie and Randall, 6 great aunts, 8 great uncles, his godmother Chandra White-Evans, godfather Earl Thomas, a devoted companion Taelin  Shelton and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.

Jeremiah is preceded in death by his grandparents Shirley and Ivory Downing, paternal grandfather Morris Borne, his aunt Melissa Downing and two uncles Lee Toumba and Nathaniel Barnes.

 Relatives and friends of the family, Pastors officers and members of Mt. Airy Baptist Church, Triumphant Church, Household of Faith and all neighboring churches along with New Orleans Science and Math High School, Padua Community Services/Catholic Charities and West Jefferson Hospital are invited to attend the Funeral Services at 12:00pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Mt Airy Baptist Church 13635 Old Spanish Trail Boutte, LA.  Pastor Clyde Staes-Host Pastor, Pastor John White will be the officiant of services. Visitation 9:00am until time of Funeral Service.  Interment Mt Airy Memorial Park Cemetery. Final Arrangements Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. 985-359-1919. “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.”

(In loving memory of his best friend Hunter Lagrange)