Darnetta “Darlene” Downing, 70, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held for Darlene at 12 P.M. on Friday, August 11, 2023 at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 W Main St., Front Royal, Virginia 22630 with Reverend Ronald Chunn officiating. There will be a visitation hour starting one hour prior to the service. Following all services, the burial will take place at Good Hope Cemetery in Front Royal.
Darlene was born in Front Royal, Virginia on September, 19, 1952 to the late John Turner Downing and Ruby Cordelia Jackson. She is also preceded in death by her son, Richard Downing.
Surviving Darlene are her children, Shannon Downing, April Downing, LaShabia “Shay” Johnson (Jeremy), and Timothy Downing; her grandchildren, Raven, Shaquille, Khalil, Teraca, Khyree, D’Aujinae, Arshawn, Trevon, Ameen, Jayden, and Naeem; her great-grandchildren, Lorren, Marlee, Amalia, and one on the way; and her siblings, Catherine Turner, John Downing, and Elmo Downing.
Darlene was a member and advocate for the National Alliance for Mental Illness. When she got together with family and friends, she was always the life of the party and could bring anyone to tears with laughter.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Khalil Cosley, Khyree Downing, Trevon Madison, Arshawn Downing, Jayden Downing, Ameen Johnson and Naeem Johnson.
Sending hugs and prayers to the family. Always remember all the special moments you shared. All the laughter you all had spending time together. 💕💕
I miss my friend, and her passing leaves a space in my heart and life that she filled for over sixty years. She was loyal, loving, kind, compassionate and too crazy funny for words. She loved her children fiercely and raised some amazing human beings. She also “adopted “ others and loved them like her own children and grands she was so proud of. Happy our Pine St. friend, Ronnie, will officiate her service and really regret I can’t be there. I love you family and you have my sincere condolences. Rest in peace Darlene, rest in peace. ❤️
Sending my condolences and prayers to Darlene’s family and friends. Your family in Baltimore is praying for all of you. May God comfort you all during this difficult time. Hugs Rest Easy Cousin. I will always remember your smile and your morning greetings on Facebook.❤️ Love Tonya
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family. Amongst the wonderful accolades bestowed by Ms Linda Carter, Darlene was also a member of the “original” Ressie Jeffries School’s final and last first grade class before it transitioned to Criser. School year 1958-1959.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Darlene Downing. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time. Darlene had a smile and laughter that would brighten up a room. I will miss you and our phone conversations. Our times spent on Pine St. You will be truly missed
I am deeply sorry for not being there today. Sending hugs and prayers to family. May you rest in peace. Love Darnice Bailey
My deepest condolences go out to the family of Darnetta Downing, She was a beautiful friend, I was always welcome their home in Front Royal…A lovely classmate…