Obituary of Delores C Downing

Delores Costello Downing was born on January 20, 1933 in Arlington , Virginia , to Rachel Corbin.  She was educated in the Arlington County Public School system and graduated from Hoffman Boston School in 1949 at the age of 16.  Delores was raised in Mount Zion Baptist Church and joined Mount Olive Baptist Church at the age of 15.  She served as  a member of the Jr. choir, served on the usher board, volunteered in VBS, sang in the gospel chorus for over 30 years, sang in the women’s choir, sang in the mass choir, and initiated the Elderlites program, where she served as the leader for over 10 years. She married Frederick Lovell Downing and together they raised 5 children.  Delores retired from the Department of Interior Park Services in 1988 with 31 years of services.  Upon retirement, she pursued her passion for working with seniors and served as a senior director in the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission.  She went on to work as a senior director in Arlington County Parks and Recreation until 2015, when she retired for the final time at the age of 82.  Delores took her heavenly rest on March 23, 2021.   She leaves behind 1 brother, Carl Green Robinson; 1 beloved brother-in-law, William Peyton (Jacqueline deceased), 5 children, Rodney (Val), Jason (Priscilla), Victor (Angeline), Cynthia (Leroy), and Felicia; 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; 5 nephews, 4 nieces and a host of family members and friends.  

Condolences can be sent to:  8319 Pondside Terrace, Alexandria, VA   22309