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BESSIE DOWNING Obituary

BESSIE JOAN DOWNING (Age 79)

On Wednesday, December 31, 2014, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved mother of the late Gayle Marie and Donna Elaine Downing; sister of Col. Sherman L. (Dolores) Ragland and Rise Tarrer; aunt of Leanita (Alvin) Brooks, Sherman (Clare) Ragland, II , and Rikki (Cory) Marver. Also survived by two great-nieces and four great-nephews. She graduated from Spingarn High School and attended Miners Teachers College. Relatives and friends may call at St. Luke's Episcopal, 1514 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC, on Monday, January 12, 2015 from 10 to 11 am where service will be held at 11 am. Interment Rock Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke Episcopal Church.
www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 8, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for BESSIE DOWNING

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3 Entries

January 16, 2015

I am Minerva Dawson Giles. Joan and I were classmates at Spingarn High school and Miner Teachers College.
We shared a friendship of many years. I am saddened to hear of her passing, She will be remembered for the times we spent together in our youth. May she be at peace ! To the family, my sincere condolences in the loss of your loved one. Sorry I was not able to attend her funeral as planned because of the weather conditions on that day.

January 16, 2015

To Sherman and family- This in Yvonne Edwards Rouselle. I am deeply saddened to hear of Joan's passing. Joan and I were friends throughout our youthful years. We talked a lot on the phone and kept in touch often. I had every intention to attend her funeral but unfortunately the bad weather on that day kept me in. I was very sorrowful I could not be there physically but I was there in spirit. I know she would understand. I will miss Joan and will always remember her
as a friend. May God Bless you All! KEEP IN TOUCH .

January 8, 2015

To the family of Joan Downing:
My name is Robin Nash Moss and Joan was my godmother when she was married to Elmer Downing. I will always remember the beautiful dresses she bought me for my birthday when I was a child. My mother, Gwendolyn T. Nash and I extend our condolences.

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Funeral services provided by:

Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring

500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901

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