Betty Jean Downey

Betty Jean Downey was born December 7, 1936 in Dandridge, TN and passed away February 5, 2025 at her residence in Eight Mile, Alabama. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. The family will host the visitation for friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Rodney Forister officiating.

Anyone who knew our Mother, Nana, Aunt Betty knew these things to be true. She loved her family, friends, God and church, her singing, her coffee, her Pepsi, and the color red. Not necessarily in that order.

She wore many hats in her lifetime. Wife, Mother, Nana, Aunt, Friend, Craftshop Owner, Campaign Manager, Sunday School Teacher, etc... When she took on any endeavor she put her heart and soul into it.

She had many talents. Among them were sewing, quilting, crafts of all kinds, songwriter, singer and musician. The one she was most known for was her musical talent. She was very familiar to people all around as the lead singer and guitar player for her family gospel singing group, the Downey's. They sang at numerous camp meetings and revivals. After her husband passed she continued to sing and bless every church service with her beautiful singing. No doubt she and Ed are reunited and singing songs of praise and joy around the throne.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond E Downey Sr., her brother Charles A Gunter Sr., her sister-in-law Annie Sue Gunter and her sister Eula Mae Collins. A great granddaughter Olivia Grace Ritchie and a great great granddaughter Ivory Nola-Jane Squyres.

Those left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory include her son Raymond E. (Buddy) Downey Jr. Her daughters Sharon Miniard and husband Hollis of Wilmer, Al, Brenda Goodhue and husband Mark of Semmes, Al., Catherine Squyres and husband David of Jonesville, LA., and Ann Bell of Mobile, Al. Also two stepchildren Jerry Downey and Diane Lucas. Fifteen grandchildren, thirty six great grandchildren, twenty four great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. One devoted great grandson Chandler Elliott Allen, other family members and friends, four beloved kitties, Precious, Sweety, Sassy, and Baby, and her grand dog Stretch the protector.

She was the matriarch of our family, the confidant of extended family and friends. Our lives were made richer by her presence. There are no words to describe the loss we feel at this time. She will be greatly missed.