Desi Mandell Downey, Sr

Deacon Desi Mandell Downey, Sr., 54, of Nelson, VA entered eternal rest  Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Danville Regional Medical Center, Danville, VA. Deacon Downey was born in Mecklenburg County, VA October 22, 1956 to the late James and Eula Day Downey.  He received his education in the Mecklenburg County schools.   Deacon Downey was a member of Wharton Memorial Baptist Church, Nelson, VA, where he served as a Deacon, Trustee, member of the Usher Board, as well as the Men’s Choir.  Deacon Downey was employed with Goodyear Tire, Mount Cross Road as a sales manager. In addition to his parents Deacon Downey was preceded in death by one brother. Cherishing his memories are one son, Desi Mandell Downey, Jr., Dover, DE; one daughter, Deanna L. Downey of Danville, VA; three grandchildren; two sisters, Diana Florence (James) White Plains, NY, Lois Dunbar (Greg) Accokeek, MD; six aunts, Hazel Boxley, Clara Trawick, Jean Day, Sara Burton, Lucy Benjamin, and Odell Ellison; one uncle, Clifton Day, and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends. Funeral services for Deacon Downey will be conducted 3:00 P.M. Saturday, January 22, 2011 at Wharton Memorial Baptist Church, Nelson, VA with Rev. James A. Hudson, Jr., officiating. Burial will follow in Wharton Memorial Gardens, Nelson, VA. Public viewing for Deacon Downey will be held from 3:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday at L.H. Brooks and Brothers Funeral Home, Danville, VA.  The family will receive friends at the church, Saturday from 2:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. Arrangements are by C.H. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clarksville, VA.