Alma Fields-Downes

April 25, 1928 - December 31, 2020

Sunrise: April 25,1928-Sunset: December 31, 2020 Alma Fields Downes was the daughter of the late Abner and Fannie Fields of Newark, New Jersey. She was predeceased by her brother, Abner Jr. Alma transitioned from this earthly plane on Thursday, December 31, 2020, at The Grimes Health Center in New Haven, CT. Alma moved to New Haven with her husband, Donald Downes, New Haven Traffic Authority traffic engineer, and their son Arthur. Alma was precessed by both her husband and son. Alma spent 50 plus years in New Haven wherein she was mostly self-employed as A & D Specialities. Alma was known affectionately as the “Robe Lady”. She supplied most of the church choirs, clergy, and ushers in and around New Haven with robes, cassocks, and uniforms. Her creativity, craftsmanship as a seamstress and business woman afforded her many opportunities; poet, baker, philanthropist, co-creator, and Editor of the Church of Light Newsletter-Better World News- and a licensed Realtor for TAJ Real Estate. Alma was one of the original members of The Heritage Chorale under the directorship of Jonathan Berryman. Alma also played piano/organ for and sang in the Senior Choir at Bethel AME Church on Goffe Street in New Haven. She enjoyed playing her organ. Alma leaves to celebrate her home-going her sister, Ethel Brown-Copes of Cranford, New Jersey, nieces, nephews, members of the Church of Light of New Jersey, and a host of friends in New Jersey and Connecticut. Alma desired that her sacred Last Rite is to be “directly cremated” and her ashes be sent to her sister in Cranford, New Jersey. The ashes are to be interred at Van Dart Acres, the church owned-property, located in the beautiful Schooley Appalachian Mountains of Northern New Jersey. Alma’s sister, Ethel Brown-Copes, family, friends, and the Church of Light members express their sincere appreciation for your acts of kindness extended to Alma. It may seem like we did not notice. But we assure you, that every call, visit and phone call was appreciated. A special “THANK YOU” to The Grimes Health Center staff on her floor and the cafeteria staff. You went beyond the call of duty to make sure Alma was well taken care of. We thank you. Services of comfort entrusted to McClam Funeral Home, 95 Dixwell Ave. New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Downes family. Please visit www.mclamfuneralhome.net