Rev. Willie Edd Downer

Rev. Willie Edd Downer obituary, Elberton, GA

Rev. Willie Edd Downer

Rev. Willie Downer Obituary

Visit the Berry Funeral Home & Crematory website to view the full obituary.

Rev. Willie Edd Downer, age 84, passed away on December 21, 2025.

A native of Elberton, GA, Willie was the son of the late Richard Moon and Sarah Downer Gaines.

Willie was preceded in death by his wife Minnie Lee Hill Downer and siblings Charles Brawner, George Brawner, Jim Gaines, John Gaines, Lloyd Moon, Larinzo Moon.

Rev. Downer was a member of True Believers Outreach ministry, and is a minister of the gospel. Rev. Downer gave his life to the Lord at the age of 52, and he has been preaching the Word of God everywhere ever since. He preaches the Word in season and out of season. He loved the Lord.

He was the first African-American to own his own granite business, Downer Granite Company, beginning in the early 70’s and retired from Everlasting Granite Company as a stonecutter.

Funeral services will be held at Love in Action Church on Friday December 26, 2025 at 11am. Burial will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home of Connie Thornton, 627 Jones Street Elberton, GA until the hour of the service.

Survivors include his children; Connie (Late Fred Thornton) Thornton, Tony (Jennifer) Downer, Tammy (Ben) Allen, Randy (Virginia) Downer, Antonio Downer, Johnny Downer, Matthew Downer; siblings; Herbert Gaines, Clark (Suzanne) Gaines, Michael Moon, Sarah Brawner, Diane Burton, Dorothy Brown, Denise Rucker; brother in laws; William Dean, Terry Hill; sister in laws; Josephine Gaines, Ada Gaines, Vanessa Dean, Adel Hughes; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; special family members; Sandra Hall, Marie Teasley.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory, Elberton, has charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory

1265 Washington Hwy, Elberton, GA 30635

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