Carolyn Sue (Caldwell) Downen, 81, of Wayne City, IL passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, IN.
Carolyn was born in Evansville, IN on October 27, 1942 to Melvin Caldwell & Rose Marie (Good) Caldwell. Her father Melvin passed away when Carolyn was only 6 months old, so her family moved back to Wayne City, IL where she spent most of her life. On January 7, 1961 she married Russell Eugene “Gene” Downen, who survives. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage.They had 4 children: Russell Jr., Robin, Robert, and Regina. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Carolyn was a member of the Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church since 1955 and she served as church’s Clerk since before 2005. She was also the Secretary and Treasurer for Baltimore Cemetery since 2010. She had worked at various factories in Northern Illinois including: Standard Coil, Portable Tool, Caterpillar, and Anchor Brush. She also worked for the dress factory in Wayne City and Continental/General Tire in Mt. Vernon, before her retirement.
She loved reading, sewing, and woodworking, but her favorite thing was to research and document genealogy. She loved to travel and made many trips with her friends and family. Anytime someone wanted to go somewhere, she would volunteer to take them. One of her favorite Bible passages was 1 Corinthians, chapter 13 and (even though it was a Christmas song) her favorite song was Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. She also loved listening to her daughters Robin and Regina sing.
Carolyn is survived by her husband Russell “Gene”, 4 children: Russell Jr. “Rusty”, Robin, Robert & wife Lisa Kunce, Regina & husband Bruce Johnson; 10 grandchildren: Bridget & husband Jason McClintock, Tyger Downen, Ryan & wife Michelle Johnson, Whitney & husband Shawn Williams, Brandyn, Courtney, and Destiney Johnson; and Jakara, Jevin, and Journie Downen; 6 great grandchildren: Addison and Braxton McClintock, Kinslee Wenderoth, Tessa and Ainsley Williams, and Laurel Johnson; a brother Norman Caldwell of Wayne City, a sister Joyce Tribe of Decatur, IL; several nieces and nephews, an uncle Kenneth Good of Arizona, and 2 aunts: Edna Breeze of Mt. Vernon, IL and Marilyn Breeze of Bluford, IL.
A Celebration of Life Service for Carolyn Sue (Caldwell) Downen will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church south of Wayne City, IL with Bro. Steve Hamson officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at the church.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may be made to either: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services. Donations will be accepted at the church and at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City.
