Essie Lee Downs Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Essie Lee Downs of Cascade, Virginia, who passed away on February 13, 2025 at the age of 49. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Essie Lee Downs to pay them a last tribute.
Though Essie Lee may no longer walk beside us, her memory will forever be enshrined in the fabric of the lives of those Essie Lee touched, a beacon of light guiding us through the darkness. In her absence, her spirit lives on — a gentle whisper in the breeze, a ray of sunlight on a cloudy day, a reminder that love knows no boundaries.
She was predeceased by: her parents, James Irvin Gibbs Sr. and Shirley Benton Bolden; and her grandparents, Frank J. Benton and Essie S. Benton. She is survived by: her children, Janice Caswell (Bruce) and Justin Staley; her brother David Gibbs (Melinda); her niece Stephanie Wray; and her nephew David Gibbs Jr.. She is also survived by brothers and sisters; and several cousins and friends.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, February 18th 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Wright Funeral Service Chapel (1425 Greensboro Rd, Martinsville, VA 24112). A funeral service was held on Tuesday, February 18th 2025 at 2:00 PM at the same location.
