Valerie H. "Corky" Downs

Valerie Haviland Downs, known as “Corky,” passed into the arms of the Lord on April 30, 2017. She was born on November 18, 1931, to Earl Leroy Haviland and Mildred Schlump Haviland in Bridgeport, CT.

Following graduation from Stratford High School in 1949, she entered Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing and graduated with a RN diploma. She married Spencer “Spence” Downs, who went on to become a physician. In 1962, after Spence finished medical residency in Long Island, NY, he entered the U.S. Air Force and they began a military life together that took Corky and Spence all over the world. During these years, she earned a B.A. in English from George Mason University. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1986, both Spence and Corky entered Dallas Theological Seminary. Corky earned a double Master’s degree with highest honors in Biblical Studies and Christian Education. In 1991, they both found a new home and ministry at Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) in Evansville. Looking back on her 85 years, Corky’s favorite accomplishments included visiting 33 countries, learning to speak French and German while living in France and Germany, and the privilege of volunteering at the White House during the Reagan administration. She also treasured her decade of mission trips to Poland with Spence. She had the true gift of hospitality and after many years of entertaining in the Air Force, hosted many home dinners in Evansville for friends and particularly loved hosting many of the international students from the University of Evansville. Corky co-taught the All-City Bible Class with Phyllis Niednagel, and was involved in women’s ministry at CFC. She and Spence provided pre-marital counseling for couples from the CFC community.

Corky was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Spence Downs; children, Gerald (Linda) Downs, Deborah (Jonathan) Eller, Nelson (Bonnie) Downs, and Wesley Downs; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Galardy; sister-in-law, Margaret Adams; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Christian Fellowship Church, 4100 Millersburg Road, officiated by Rev. Cliff Herring, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Wednesday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, and Thursday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Missions Program at Christian Fellowship Church. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.