Mary Ruth Downey

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Mary Ruth Mattress Downey, 95, received her heavenly wings at Linley Park Post Acute Nursing Facility in Anderson, SC.

Mary was raised and educated in Anderson County, SC. She moved to Detroit, MI, in her early 20s,.and later moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey, with her dearest friend, Murvelle Rogers Goggins. While living in New Jersey, she joined Second Baptist Church and met the love of her life, Francis A. "Frank" Downey. They married on September 11, 1982.

Mary, her husband Frank, and her dear friends, the Goggins, moved back to Anderson to take care of her aging mother. After returning to Anderson, Mary joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Starr, SC. She served faithfully in the Missionary (Circle #2), the Sanctuary Choir, and several committees.

Mary retired from Anderson Memorial Hospital (now known as AnMed Health Center). Mary loved spending time with her friends and bowling.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory to Mary Poole Mattress; the Mattress Family; The Roger's Family: George (Teresa), Glenn (Valerie), Kevin (Antoinette), Johnnie (Rachel), and Felicia Rogers; godson, Dwight (Karen); stepdaughter, Jennifer Downey & family; two brothers-in-law, Roy and George Downey; and a host of relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Carrie Lee Mattress-Martin and stepfather, William Martin; her dear friends, Murvelle Rogers Goggins and James Goggans.

Funeral service is 1 pm Monday in the Marvin Mattison Memorial Chapel, D. B. Walker Funeral Services, with public viewing on Sunday from 5 - 7 pm. Interment will be on Tuesday at 10 am at the M. J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery.

Professional services entrusted to D.B. Walker Funeral Services.