Sylvia (Clark) Downey

Sylvia (Clark) Downey, Age 96 of Eminence, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Maple Grove Senior Living in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Daughter of the late Gill and Pearl (Aldridge) Clark, she was born on Wednesday, September 4, 1929, in Franklinton, Kentucky, where she would reside the majority of her life. A woman of faith, she was a lifelong member of Franklinton Baptist Church. A hardworking woman, she helped her husband and son with work on the farm, raising tobacco and cattle. Sylvia raised a beautiful garden and canned vegetables. She worked at the old Brunswick factory as a seamstress prior to being a cook at the Homestead Nursing Home in New Castle. Later she worked at Eminence Cleaners doing alterations and assisting Mr. Floyd Creek with dry cleaning. In addition to her work, she also did alterations for friends and neighbors in her home. She shared her homemaking talents and seamstress skills with those she loved making many beautiful gifts and quilts. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of forty-four years, Sam Downey, who passed away in August of 1989; her daughter Zelma Louise Downey; brother, R.C. Clark; and sisters, Mary Bowling and Lucille Erwin.

Survivors include her son, Bobby R. Downey of Eminence; granddaughter, Rina Borders (Richard) of Cox’s Creek; grandson, Jonathan Ray Downey, great-granddaughter, Samantha Flowers (Zachary); sister, Shirley McClure; close friend and neighbor, Thelma Shaw; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Beckley Funeral Home with Reverend Jamie Tingle of Franklinton Baptist Church Officiating. Interment will take place in Franklinton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service on Thursday. To honor her lifelong commitment to the Lord and her church, memorial contributions may be made to Franklinton Baptist Church, 7681 Point Pleasant Road, Pleasureville, Kentucky 40057. With care and professionalism, arrangements are under the direction of Beckley Funeral Home.