Doris Dey-Downs

Doris Dey-Downs, 71, of Spotsylvania, Virginia, passed away on February 2, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia, while receiving care at Select Specialty Hospital – Richmond.

Doris was born on April 16, 1954, in Newport News, Virginia, and was a proud graduate of Hampton High School in Hampton, Virginia. She lived a life defined by spirituality, love, authenticity, and purpose. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose steady presence, deep faith, and genuine character left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She was the devoted wife of John Downs, a United States Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, and together they built a family grounded in service, resilience, and love. Doris was a proud and loving mother to her sons, Xavier Downs and Madison Downs, both of whom served in the United States military, and her daughter, Mendy Downs.

Doris was an accomplished and purpose-driven woman, known for her intellect, discipline, and integrity. She worked as a computer programmer for NASA, contributing her skills to work of national importance. Later in her career, she became a home loan broker, where she continued to serve others by helping families achieve stability and opportunity through homeownership.

Family was always at the center of Doris' life. Affectionately known to those closest to her as "Doll-Baby," she was a devoted grandmother to nine beloved grandchildren, who were a constant source of joy and pride. Her faith, compassion, and authenticity guided her relationships and sustained her through life's challenges. Even in the face of illness, she carried herself with courage and grace.

Doris entered specialty care after stabilizing in intensive care, with the expectation of continued recovery and discharge. Her passing has raised serious concerns for her family regarding patient safety, transparency, and standards of care. In her memory, her family is committed to seeking accountability and advocating for stronger protections for patients and families.

She is survived by her husband, John Downs; her children, Xavier Downs, Madison Downs, and Mendy Downs; her nine grandchildren; and extended family members who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents and seven older siblings.

A service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Quantico National Cemetery, where Doris will be laid to rest with honor, recognizing her family's military service and her lifelong support as a military spouse.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness, advocacy for patient safety, and care for others - values Doris lived by every day.

Her legacy endures through her children, her grandchildren, and a life lived with faith, love, authenticity, and purpose.