Juanita A. Downum, 94, of Homosassa, passed away on Fri., July 30, 2021 at her home. A native of Syracuse, NY, she was born November 6, 1926 to Charles and Agnes (Koch) King; was raised in Queens, NY, then graduated from high school in Syracuse. Juanita was a retired executive secretary for the Central NY Regional Transit Authority, and also spent time serving the NYC Transit Authority. She moved to Homosassa in 1986 from Baldwinsville, NY with her late husband of 59 years, Freddie Lee Downum, who passed away on Aug. 14, 2003. Juanita loved spending her time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren, and also loved to play cards. She was a longtime faithful and devoted parishioner of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Crystal River, FL and in addition to her parents and her husband Freddie, was preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Marie Downum, on Feb. 28, 2021; as well as a sister, Audette Manwarren. Mrs. Downum is survived by her four children: Doreen Downum, Crystal River, FL; Wayne L. Downum (wife Mary), New Orleans, LA; Leslie A. Downum and Deborah Vastine (husband Randy), both of Homosassa, FL; brother Charles King, Hastings, NY; 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren, with one more on the way. Friends will be received on Wed., Aug. 4, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thurs., Aug. 5, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. from St. Benedict Catholic Church, Crystal River, with Fr. Richard Stradomski, Celebrant. Entombment follows at Fero Memorial Gardens, Beverly Hills, FL. www.wilderfuneral.com
