Julie Gifford

Julie Downey Gifford PORTSMOUTH - Julie Downey Gifford, 48, of Amherst and formerly of Portsmouth, died Aug. 18, 2008, at Lynchburg General Hospital. Born Feb. 17, 1960, in Clifton Forge, she was the daughter of Sandra A. Stapleton and her husband Mark of Chesapeake and Charles F. Downey and his wife Sybil of Clifton Forge. She was the devoted wife of Darrell L. Gifford and mother of Jason L. Gifford of Radford. In addition to her husband, son and parents, she is survived by five brothers, Steve Downey and wife Annette, David Downey and wife Doreen, Scott Flenner and wife Angela, Steve Bennett and wife Debbie and Doug Bennett; three sisters, Sherry Nicely and husband Michael, Melinda Stapleton and husband Rick and Patricia Bennett-Wilhelm; mother-in-law, Evelyn Gifford of Portsmouth; brothers-in-law, Garland Gifford of Virginia Beach and Brian Gifford and wife Rene of Portsmouth; and sister-in-law, Deborah Gifford, also of Portsmouth. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in Whitten Monelison Chapel by the Rev. Doug Moore and the Rev. Marshall Tidwell. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home and other times at the residence. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Central Advent Christian Cemetery, Clifton Forge. Following the graveside service, the family will receive friends in the Lone Star Advent Christian Church. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Cancer Society or the Amherst Lions Club. To send a condolence to the family, please go to www.whittenfuneralhome.com. Whitten Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel, 3966 South Amherst Hwy., Madison Heights, VA 24572, (434) 929-5712, is serving the family.