MRS. MARY ELLA WASHINGTON-DOWNING, "SISTA", was the oldest daughter of
the late Mr. Leroy Washington, Sr. and Mary Ella Washington. She was born October
2, 1958 in Bamberg, SC. "Sista" was called to rest on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at her
residence, surrounded by her beloved husband.
Mary Ella Downing, "Sista", was educated in Bamberg School District One. She
graduated with the Class of 1978. At an early age she joined Eden Baptist Church where
she gave her life to God. "Sista" was a member of the Eden Gospel Choir and the Eden
Mass Choir. "Sista" also served as the Church Secretary.
After the passing of her mother, "Sista" became the mother of her siblings. "Sista" was
always there, no matter what.
Mary Ella "Sista" worked many years for Dr. Jeffords and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Padgett.
She was employed by Bamberg Job Corps Center as a Residential Counselor until she
retired.
"Sista" was preceded in death by her brother, Leroy Washington, Jr.
Left to cherish fond memories are: her devoted husband of forty-three years, Harry K.
Downing; five sisters, Shirley (Willie) Brown of Ehrhardt, SC, Sheila Washington, Pamela
(Francis) Johnson and Lear (Fredrick) Smart, all of Bamberg, SC and Alice Kirkland of
New York; two brothers, Terry (Darlene) Washington and Anthony Chris Washington,
both of Bamberg, SC; sister-in-law, Coretta Downing of Orangeburg, SC; five brothersin-
law, Tim (Belinda) Downing and Bobby Downing of Bamberg, SC, Edward (Nicole)
Downing of Summerville, SC, Brint (Samantha) Downing of Maryland and George
Gadson of Orangeburg, SC; nieces, Shari (Dwayne) Campbell, Kristofia Smart, Kheretta
Smart, Zetoya (Kamba) Ngandu and Chylandice Jennings; nephews, Tevin (Kaquia)
Washington, Travis Kirkland, Christopher (Trenisia) Smart, Antoine Smart and Ahmad
Lewis; great-nieces, Nadia Walker, Taniya Kay Washington and Calise Smart.
Mrs. Mary Ella Downing, "Sista", will be sadly missed by a host of loving cousins and friends.