Virginia Downer
Hartford |
Virginia Alice (Braddy) Downer, 78, formerly of Hartford, IL, passed away at 8:15 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Blu-Fountain Manor in Godfrey, IL.
She was born Aug. 20, 1935 in Hartford to the late John Crawford & Opal Mae (Jimpson) Braddy.
On Dec. 10, 1955, she and Richard L. Downer were married in Hartford. He preceded her in death Sept. 6, 2008.
Virginia retired as an insurance underwriter for Marsh & McLennan in St. Louis. In her younger years, she played softball for the Wood River Royals and later became a youth girls softball coach for the Hartford Khoury League. Virginia was a very active member in her local community. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hartford and a longtime Trustee for the Village of Hartford. Virginia, a graduate of East Alton-Wood River High School, also became a member and Past President of the school’s Board of Education. More recently, she belonged to Women of the Moose, the local Red Hatters chapter, and Lewis & Clark Historical Society. Virginia was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include: 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa & Paul Murfin of Canton, GA and Ramona & Kevin Waltz of Godfrey, 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Rick & Patty Downer of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Roger & Joli Downer of Holiday Shores, IL, 11 grandchildren, Erin Downer, Shalyn (Ryan) Watson, Whitney (Danny) Grogan, Mindee (James) Calabrese, Lynsey Miller, Alex Murfin, Jacob Murfin, Drew (Mandy) Marquis, Turner Marquis, Kayce Waltz & Lauren (Jason) Smith, 11 great-grandchildren, and 3 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law, Joan & John Gohlson of Rosewood Heights, IL, Carolyn Shive of Wood River and Terry & Rich Sinclair of Godfrey.
Besides her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Jerry M. Downer; a grandson, Timothy Downer; a sister, Jean Ewen; and 2 brothers, John & Stanley Braddy.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wed. Mar. 5, 2014 at Paynic Home for Funerals, where services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thurs. Mar. 6, 2014. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Online information and guestbook may be found at www.paynicfh.com
Paynic Home for Funerals
