Elfreda C. Downing

Obituary of Elfreda C. Downing

Elfreda Churchville Downing quietly entered eternal rest on January 28, 2026, at home. She was born on January 8, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Charles and Ann Churchville. She was raised in a home grounded in love and faith; she carried those values throughout her life.

Elfreda attended Pennsauken Vocational School and then received her high school diploma from Dobbins High School in 1960. In 1962, on a blind date she met the love of her life, James Glenton Downing, Sr. They married on July 17, 1965, and shared over 60 years of devotion, partnership, and joy. Together they raised three children: James Glen Jr., Nichele, and Anissa.

Elfreda worked at the Insurance Company of North America before dedicating herself to raising her family. She later joined Lincoln Technical Institute as a part-time filing clerk and, through hard work and integrity, rose to become Financial Aid Administrator, earning the company's Administrator of the Year award. She retired in 2008 after 27 years of faithful service.

A woman of deep faith, Elfreda served over 25 years at Zion Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and founding member of the Flower Club. She later worshiped and served at Living Faith Christian Center as a teacher's aide and Deacon, and in her final years was a member of Victory in Christ Christian Center.

Elfreda loved to sew, creating clothing for her children and her "sisters," always stitching love into every piece. She also loved to travel, she and James enjoyed countless road trips and shared more than ten cruises together, creating memories that reflected their deep bond and love for adventure.

The Downing home was a beacon of light in the neighborhood. Children loved being there drawn to the warmth, the laughter, the sense of safety, and the sweet treats that always seemed to be waiting. It was a home filled with love because Elfreda's spirit made it so.

Her quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering faith touched everyone she encountered. Even during illness, she encouraged others, prayed for them, and offered comfort from a place of grace.

Her resilience was remarkable. After receiving a dire prognosis, she regained strength, attended church events, celebrated holidays with family, and joyfully marked her 82nd birthday. Her determination was rooted in love for her family and God.

Elfreda leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, James G. Downing, Sr.; her children, James G. Downing Jr., Nichele Herrington (Anton), and Anissa Downing; her grandchildren, Imani Downing and Christian Herrington; her godson, Micah Moore; her siblings, Ethel Marrero, Ernest Churchville (Luz), and Evelyn Churchville; her brothers and sisters in law, William Downing (Tamiko), Clara Ann Davis, Robert Downing, Lena Handy (Samuel), Brenda Conner, and Arletha Downing; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

She will be remembered for her wisdom, her prayers, her faith, her grace, and the way she made every person feel valued and seen. The family rejoices in knowing she is now at peace, resting in the presence of the Lord.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation & Funeral on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 10-11 AM at the Victory in Christ Christian Center, 1055 Delsea Drive in Westville, where a Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Chelten Hills Cemetery in Philadelphia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Autism Speaks at 718 Arch Street 6N, Philadelphia, PA 19106.