Valerie Patricia Downes

Valerie Patricia Dionne Downes (age 77) was born on April 2, 1943 to her God-fearing parents, Fitzgerald and Charity Downes in the parish of St. Paul, St. Kitts, West Indies. She was fifth of six children including Fitzmorris, Cavelle, Winston, Valmond, and Carlton Downes. Valerie attended Ms. Stevens Secondary School, Ms. Ross Secondary School, and Antigua Girls’ School.

Val was very athletic and loved the outdoors, a self-proclaimed tomboy. She could always be found playing cricket and football with the boys in the Antiguan village of Clare Hall. Val enjoyed riding on the bike and motorcycle around many of Antigua’s beautiful beaches. A track and field enthusiast, she successfully competed in the 100-, 220-, and 440-yard running events. She also participated in the long jump and high jump field events. Among her many achievements, her favorites were her election as Captain of the first female cricket team in Antigua and her nomination as a 1964 Carnival Queen contestant of which she was crowned Ms. Amateur & Athletic Queen in 1965.

In 1965, Valerie married Ridley Pennyfeather of St. Kitts. And in 1966, she gave birth to her only child, Chantal Pennyfeather Graham.

Valerie always worked where she could help others. She started in the hospitality industry as a desk clerk at the Jolly Beach Hotel, and later became the Assistant Manager for the Michael’s Mount Hotel. When she left the hotels in 1970, she still managed to serve others as a travel agent for Sea Green Air Transport and Leeward Island Air Transport (LIAT), where they would jokingly say, “Leave Island Any Time”. In 1976, Valerie migrated to the United States and attended Daytona Beach Community College. After graduating, she relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where she changed careers again and worked for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. She retired in 2001 in Palm Bay, Florida after 25 years of service.

Even in retirement, she remained active in her community. Valerie was so ecstatic about her school crossing guard post. She often raved about her opportunities to encourage the kids in the community to stay in school and continue reaching for the stars. Val also belonged to the Brevard Caribbean American Sports and Cultural Association where she enjoyed the camaraderie of the cricket matches.

Valerie will have wanted to be remembered as an active member of her church home, the Church of the Blessed Redeemer. She participated in fashion shows for her church fundraisers where she would rip the runway in her big stylish hats and fancy heels while showing off her soca dance moves.

She is survived by her daughter, Chantal (Martin) Graham, two grandchildren, André and Méon, and great-grandson, Dreyden. Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home is serving the family.