Charlette Renal Downer (née Johnson) passed away peacefully at Metro Hospital on November 29, 2023 at the age of 74. Charlette was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 26, 1949 to Ruth and Melvin Johnson.
Charlette attended Glenville High School and graduated in 1967. She worked for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs for 42 years. Charlette was known as a success story for how she excelled in many positions and moved up in the organization, starting as a GS3 and retiring at a GS12.
Charlette was incredibly fashionable, trendy, and loved all things glamourous. She was a very classy woman and lit up any room she was in with her beautiful smile. Charlette enjoyed attending plays, trying new restaurants, and going to the casino with friends.
Charlette met the love of her life, Rod, in 1987 while working at the VA. Charlette and Rod knew before anyone else that their love would be eternal and got married February 14, 2000. The light that Charlette brought to everyone else was brought to her when she gave birth to her son, Ricky, on June 25, 1994. Ricky was her pride and joy. Charlette loved to go to Ricky’s sporting events and other activities, often serving as a Team Mom. Her phenomenal cooking was known amongst Ricky’s friends.
Charlette is survived by her son, Ricky Downer (Kelly), brothers Alan McDonald (Laura) and Maurice McDonald (Sylvia), stepfather Billy McDonald, niece Mackenzie McDonald, nephews Andrew, AJ, and Michael McDonald, and many other friends and family.
Charlette is preceded in death by her loving husband, Roderick Downer, mother Ruth McDonald, father Melvin Johnson, nephew William McDonald along with a host of Aunts and Uncles.
Join us to celebrate Charlette’s life on Saturday, December 2, 2023 10am-12pm, with a Memorial Service from 12-1pm at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home located at 20820 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, OH 44126. Burial will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, OH on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 12:15pm.
