"May the Works I've done, Speak for me; May the Service I give, Speak for me; May the Life that I live, Speak for me; When I'm resting in My grave, and there's nothing to be said; May the Works I've done, Speak for me."  These words are a true testament of love and service and speak volumes to the life and character of a person's good works, heart-felt generosity, dedication and loyalty. Ms. Sylvia ANN Downing was such a blessed life that we will all love and cherish forever.

Sylvia ANN Downing was born in Bamberg, South Carolina to the late James and Adell Downing. She was educated in the public schools of Bamberg, South Carolina and graduated in the infamous class of 1976.  During her high school tenure she became a licensed cosmetologist from the Cope Area Vocational School. She furthered her education at Denmark Technical College in Denmark, South Carolina where she studied childcare.

Ann's career began with several industrial jobs, but her passion was always to work with children. When she started out she began with a babysitting service. Although she thoroughly enjoyed babysitting, she still had the urge to do more for the children in her community. ANN became a licensed childcare provider and built an astonishing career for over thirty years as the owner and operator of Ms. Ann's Daycare Center in Bamberg, South Carolina. As a child caregiver Ann arguably became one of the most important members of our society within Bamberg, County, South Carolina. She gave children purpose, set them up for success as citizens of our world, and inspired in them a drive to do well and succeed in life. Ann shaped hundreds if not thousands of children to become leaders of tomorrow. She was that critical point that made a child ready for their future. ANN had the God given ability to shape leaders of the future in the best way for society to build positive and inspired future generations and therefore design society, both locally and beyond. Her loyalty and dedication impacted the children of society helping to produce pastors, lawyers, nurses, administrators, educators, etc. ANN truly spent her life with all the attributes of being God's chosen one, one of great compassion, understanding, patience, willingness to put in effort, and the answer to every parent's prayer for safety, education, stimulation and socialization. Ann's impact on Bamberg County will forever leave a rich legacy for many years to come.

ANN was also a devout Christian. She joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Bamberg, South Carolina at an early age where she remained a dedicated member until her demise. She served many ministries faithfully. She was most notably known for serving on the Kitchen Ministry where she served as the Chair. She led the ministry with great pride and spent countless hours serving in any other facet as needed and often times on a volunteer basis.

ANN loved her community, and often gave back through various community events which she spearheaded and funded. She often prepared year around for her annual neighborhood events such as the Back To School Drive and the Halloween festivities she provided.  The neighborhood will truly miss her kind gestures and many kind acts. ANN was preceded in death by her parents James and Adell Downing, her daughter Evette Latrell Downing, her sisters, Richardean Entzminger, Janice Downing Davis, Emma Downing and brother Cornell Downing.

Ann leaves her legacy of love and service to  her loving and devoted daughter, Taqulla Downing; granddaughter,  Aveeone Downing and great granddaughter, Kadynce Davis all the home; grandson reared in the home, Dylan Nimmons; two sisters, Lillie Mae Dowling of Brooklyn, New York and Brenda Downing of Bamberg, South Carolina; one brother, James Downing Jr. of Fayetteville, North Carolina; three special nieces, Chantay Kirkland, Nikki Entzminger and Tiara Downing who were all reared in her home; brother in law, Jake Davis, Sr;  adopted son, Jerry Johnson; special nephew, Jake Davis Jr.; her memory also lives in the rest of nieces and nephews, Felicia Dowling Calendar, Joe Dowling Jr., Nicole Richburg, Corey (Ludie) Laboard, Jamie (Alicia) Downing, Jermaine (Wanda) Downing, Jamell Kirkland, and Antonio Brown, LaTroy Brown; four close friends she loved as sisters, Carolyn Ford Turner, Mattie Johnson, Betty Sexton and Ann Holman Bruce; and a host of other relatives, daycare students and parents, church members and friends.