Wanda Sue “Subie” Downs, 90, of Richmond, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.
Subie was born on January 24, 1935, in Richmond, the daughter of Charles D. and Eva M. (Shipley) McBrien. She was united in marriage to James David Downs of Richmond on June 6, 1954; he survives of the home.
Additional survivors include: two sons, Rick (Sheryl) Downs and Steve M. (Carla) Downs; daughter, Cathy (Mike) Judd; four grandchildren: Erin (Tony) Phillips, Megan Downs (Aaron Siefers), Jessica Judd (Andrew Rheuport), and Zachary (Annie) Downs; three step-grandsons: Andrew Fuchs, Nathan (Kamala) Conley, and Nick Conley; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James D. “Sonny” McBrien.
Subie was raised and educated in the area of her birth and graduated from Richmond High School in 1954. In addition to being a devoted housewife and homemaker who lovingly cared for her family, she worked as a catalog sales manager for JCPenney in Richmond and later for Head Start in Richmond as a community aid caseworker, where she also led parenting classes.
When her children were growing up, Subie never missed a sporting event, concert, or school activity-and that same dedication continued with her grandchildren, who were truly her pride and joy.
Subie was a kind, generous, and caring person who never met a stranger. Her giving spirit shone through in everything she did and in the many organizations she was part of. She served as a 4-H leader, was a 50-year member of both the Order of the Eastern Star and the Good Neighbor Extension Club, and volunteered as a Cub Scout leader. She was also very active in her church, where she taught Sunday School and was a member of Women on Missions.
In her younger years, Subie and her husband shared many adventures together, traveling the world and visiting places as remarkable as the Amazon Rainforest and Machu Picchu. She had a true love for cooking-especially when it meant sharing her meals with family and friends.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Richmond First Baptist Church or to Head Start. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Richmond First Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:00 A.M. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Please remember to share your memories of Subie with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
