Ms. Oneda Skelly Downing, age 89, of Mesquite, Texas passed away on Wednesday July 25, 2018. Oneda was born October 25, 1928 in Vann Dale, Arkansas to Orlen and Emma South. She was the oldest of five children. She moved to Dallas in 1949 with her young son, Neil and only twenty dollars in her pocket.
She met her husband, Melvin Skelly and then married him in 1951. Soon after they had two more children Deborah and Regina. She left her job as a long distance operator with AT&T to care for her family.
After her children grew older she was instrumental in running several different business ventures with her husband "Skelly". They successfully started and ran a moving and storage business as well as two different barbeque restaurants. They were a successful partnership.
Her husband "Skelly" had an early onset of health problems in his mid forties. She then became a caregiver for him. She cared for him until he passed at age 67.
Oneda then began to travel with a group of friends, most of which were much younger than she.
She loved traveling and having good times with friends of all ages. Everyone loved her because she
was such a joy to be around. In a few short years she met Ben Downing and the next thing you know
they were married. She had many good years with Ben until his passing in April of this year.
Oneda will be remembered as a good Christian woman with a kind and loving heart. She will not be
forgotten by those that knew her. Everyone truly loved her because she was such a genuinely goodhearted person that loved people.
She is survived by her three children, Neil and wife Bonnie, daughters, Deborah Skelly and Regina Crawford. Her grandchildren, Chris Head and wife Amy, Jason Head, Melissa Bass, and Karen Miller.
Great grandchildren; Lauren, Collin, Christin, Keaton, Kylie, Jaden, Aliyah, Mikah, Cash, Blake and Keilan. Her beloved sister, Vee Ann Stanley and husband James.
A visitation for Oneda will be held Sunday, July 29, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Anderson-Clayton-Gonzalez Funeral Home, 1111 Military Parkway, Mesquite, Texas 75149. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 30, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 1111 Military Parkway, Mesquite, Texas 75149. A committal service will occur Monday, July 30, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Campground Cemetery, CR-326, Poetry, TX 75160.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.andersonclaytongonzalez.com for the Skelly Downing family.
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