Thelma E. Downing

Celebration of Life Services for Mrs. Themla E. Downing will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00PM. Location: Chapel of Wilkinson County Memorial Chapel 142 Wriley Road - Irwinton. Kendrick K. Mack will serve as eulogist. Interment will follow at Cannon Quarters Cemetery - Toomsboro, Georgia. 

On Monday, July 28, 2025, the author and finisher of our fate penned the time of rest for Thelma Elizabeth Collins Downing. Thelma was born September 27, 1930 in Toomsboro, Georgia. Thelma is the first child born to the late Minnie Collins Whipple and Isaac Whipple, Sr. Thelma received her education at the Rosenwald School in Toomsboro, Georgia.

Thelma loved her family and was a very warm hearted person that always gave her best. Thelma was loved, cherished and respected by her family and many friends. In August of 1963, Thelma and the late Virgil Lee Downing relocated to Miami, Florida.

Thelma is preceded in death by her Mate: Virgil Lee Downing; Three daughters: Margeret, Bernestine and Teresa; Two sisters: Vera and Oretta; Three brothers Isiah Jr, Ivey B. and Artis Lee.

She leaves to forever cherish her memories, her sons: Willie Alvin Collins (Diane) and Bruce Downing (Terri); bonus daughters, Cora Lee Harris and Annette Stephens; grandchildren, Xzavian Sr, Terevia, Shaquilla (Hezekiah) Travis, Shalaura, Terrance, Kijuan, Shaniece (Gary), Tantiana, Tameka and Tatiana, great grandchildren, Icis, Sa’nya, Imani, Tanaja, Devery, Antaniya, Hezekiah, Antaniqua, Kileigh, Antonio II, Ronie, Kendule, Xzavian, Jr, Kendryck, Ace and Tailyn; sisters, Carolyn Whipple, Mary L. Allen, Emma J. Strange (Elbert); sister-in-laws, Louvenia S. Whipple and Mattie B. Whipple and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Public viewing will be held Friday, August 8, 2025 from 1:00-7:00PM at the funeral home. 

Wilkinson County Memorial Chapel - Irwinton has charge of arrangements.