Mildred Maxine Downey

Mildred Maxine Odell Downey, lifetime resident of Smackover, passed away Saturday, February 22, 2014, at Courtyard Health and Rehabilitation in El Dorado. She was born May 25, 1921, daughter of Simmie Lee and Mary Bell Odell.

Mrs. Downey was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Downey, her parents, two brothers, O.L. (Frances) Odell and Harold Odell, and many dear friends.

She is survived by two children, daughter, Doretta (Carl) Shelhart of Jackson, Michigan and son, Charles “Chuck” (Vicky) Downey of Smackover; four grandchildren, Traie Shelhart, Stacy (Joseph) Perry, Laura Sielert, and Lindsay Downey; Five great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Austin, Hope, Anna, and Alie; sister-in-law, Tressie Odell; four special nieces; two special nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.

Mildred was a 1939 graduate of Smackover High School. She retired from Union Medical Center as an LPN after many years of service. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Smackover. Mrs. Downey loved being a nurse and spent many volunteer hours as a band parent and church youth parent as her children grew up. She also enjoyed traveling and reading.

A celebration of life will be held at Young’s Funeral Directors in El Dorado, Wednesday, February 26th. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until the service at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Ray Wells officiating. Internment follows at Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home, 222 Pope St, Monticello, AR 71655.

The family expresses heart-felt thanks to Dr. Richard Davis, Courtyard Health and Rehab and their staff for many years of tender care of our mother.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com