Sharon Yvonne Downes, 39

RIDGELY, Md. - Sharon Yvonne Downes, also known as Minister Downes, of Ridgely, daughter of the late Leon Miller Jr. and Sylvia M. Miller, was born May 1, 1969, in Philadelphia. She was called home to be with Jesus on Monday, May 5, 2008. She was 39.

Sharon was educated in the public school system of Caroline County. She also received certification in food services from Chesapeake Community College.

She was attending Bread of Life College Satellite School at Greater New Hope Church and Ministries.

Sharon loved the Lord with all her heart and was passionate about sharing his love and his word with everyone she met.

She worked with Hospice of Caroline County.

She ministered to the residents of Caroline Nursing. She worked with Breaking Bread Ministry at St. Lukes Church of Denton and also ministered to the women and young ladies of St. Martin's House in Ridgely.

Sharon was the lead minister of evangelism for Greater New Hope Church and Ministries. She headed the Abundance of Living Outreach Ministry which entailed the annual block party held in Denton and the Praise in the Park held in Ridgely.

Sharon was a member of Living Waters Evangelistic Church, where she was called to the position of minister under the leadership of the Rev. Clarence Savoy.

In 1997, God moved Sharon to New Hope Baptist Church under Pastor Dane A. Coleman, who is now Bishop Dane A. Coleman.

She leaves behind a son, Anthony Leon Miller, and daughter, Teshyra Yvonne Downes, both of Ridgely; her mother, Sylvia Miller of Denton; brother, Thomas (Yvonne) Miller of Queen Creek, Ariz.; one sister, Catherine (Buffy) Miller of Denton; seven aunts, five uncles and five great-aunts; two nephews, James Watson and Thomas Miller Jr.; two neices, Breanna Miller and Markia Menefee; and a host of cousins and friends.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Replanted Zion United Methodist Church, Ridgely, where friends may attend a viewing from 9 to 10:45 a.m.

There will also be a viewing today at the church from 6 to 8 p.m.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.