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Shirley E. Downs

Posted 1/11/16

Shirley E. Downs passed away on Sun., Jan. 10, 2016, at the Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital. Mrs. Downs was born in Harrington to the late Roland R. and Sarah H. Ellers. Mrs. Downs worked for over 40 …

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Shirley E. Downs

Posted
Shirley E. Downs passed away on Sun., Jan. 10, 2016, at the Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital. Mrs. Downs was born in Harrington to the late Roland R. and Sarah H. Ellers. Mrs. Downs worked for over 40 years in the banking industry. She worked for the First National Bank of Harrington, starting in 1963, through the transitions of the JC Penney Bank and the First National Bank of Wyoming, until she retired in 2010. She took a break briefly when her daughters were born until they went to school, but remained a dedicated employee of the bank. She was well liked by her co-workers and the community she served as she was always friendly and helpful. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and word search puzzles. She loved gospel music and The Gaither's were a favorite of hers. She was active in her church and served as secretary at one point, and was a Sunday School teacher for many years. She always ran into former students who remembered her and always got a hug. She attended the Calvary Wesleyan Church, starting in 1959, for many years, until she attended Pilgrim Chapel for the past 21 years. Mrs. Downs enjoyed attending the Delaware State Fair and getting to see the many people she knew. She also enjoyed attending the Harrington Heritage Day and any other Harrington community events. Although she was a quiet individual, she was indeed a loving, caring, supporting wife, mother, and grandmother. She was especially supportive and proud of her grandson Steven who is currently stationed in Hawaii through the United States Navy. Mrs. Downs is preceded in death by a brother, Roger R. Ellers. She is survived by her loving husband, James "Jim" Downs of Harrington; daughters, Joyce Downs of Harrington, Joan (Brian) Swain of Harrington; grandson, Steven Swain, currently stationed in Hawaii; brothers, Ken (Sue) Ellers of Magnolia, Roland Lee (Marilyn) Ellers of Houston; sister, Esther J. (Reese) Dorey of Millsboro; and sister in law, Nancy Ellers of Cooksville, OH. Services will take place, Thurs., Jan. 14, 2016, at 1 P.M., at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South Dupont Hwy, Harrington, with a visitation for family and friends starting at noon. Burial will take place at Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington, DE. Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to send flowers or sign condolence book.

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