Judith Hackett Downey

Judith Carol Hackett Downey, 74, of Lynchburg, Virginia, formerly of Amherst, Virginia, departed this life to be with her Heavenly Father on the 4th day of February, 2018. Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, March 10, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Harvey Mundy Hackett, Jr., and Ruby Hackett McCarron. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather, James Kingston McCarron, her brother, Harvey Mundy Hackett, III and her loving husband of over 50 years, James A. Downey, Sr.

Judy is survived by her beloved children Tammy Downey Betterton of Madison Heights, Virginia, Sandra Downey Dasburg of Charleston, South Carolina, Carol Downey Dawson of Madison Heights, Virginia and James Albert Downey Jr. and wife Tamara Ward Downey of Lynchburg, Virginia; two sisters, Deborah M. Driskill of Herndon, Virginia and Barbara M. Bowles of Mountain Home, Arkansas. She treasured her grandchildren, Melissa Dasburg Rollins, Michael Dasburg, Zachary Betterton, Christopher Betterton, Tyler Dawson, Mitchell Dawson, Abigail Downey, Jackson Downey and two great grandchildren. She was also honored to have countless other family members and friends. After Judy retired from Liberty University in 2006, she struggled but persevered for many years with her illness. Yet through it all, her love for her family remained her focus and in so many ways she was able to show that love. This is a wonderful legacy as to how she was able to keep focus on what was important, not only when her life was easy, but when it was difficult too. We know that she is at peace and that her struggles are gone. Judy’s family will receive family and friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the 6th day of February 2018 at Whitten Monelison Chapel in Madison Heights, Virginia. A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at Whitten Funeral Home in Madison Heights, Virginia at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the 7th day of February, 2018 with Rev. Steve D. Tyree officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Judy’s family members wish to express their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Doctor David M. Smith and the staff at Access HealthCare, Inc., Lynchburg, Virginia. Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Amherst County, 318 Shelter Lane, Amherst, Virginia, 24521.