The Richmond News, Oct. 17, 2025

Wanda Downs

Wanda Sue “Subie” Downs, 90, of Richmond passed away Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Subie was born Jan. 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 her two sons, Rick (Sheryl) Downs and Steve M. (Carla) Downs; daughter, Cathy (Mike) Judd; and four grandchildren, Erin (Tony) Phillips, Megan Downs (Aaron Siefers), Jessica Judd (Andrew Rheuport) and Zachary (Annie) Downs. She also is survived by three step-grandsons, Andrew Fuchs, Nathan (Kamala) Conley and Nick Conley; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James D. “Sonny” McBrien. Subie was raised and educated in the area of her birth and graduated in 1954 from Richmond High School.

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 also was 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 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Richmond First Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and services to follow at 11. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Please share your memories of Subie with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome. com.