Constance Mercedes Downing

With a deep sense of sorrow and loss the family of Constance Mercedes “Sadie” Downing announce the passing of their beloved mother and grandmother at her home in Wesley Chapel Florida on June 28, 2025 at the age of 90.

Mercedes was born on September 28, 1934, on the island of St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands to Louis and Annesta Greaux.

She graduated from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic High School in 1953 and went on to receive her nursing degrees from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, Minnesota. She returned to the island, began her career and married J. Arthur Downing in October 1957.

Over her decades long career as a dedicated RN and nursing executive, she cared for patients and their families at Knud Hansen Memorial Hospital, the Virgin Islands Department of Health - Maternal and Child Health division (MCH), and St. Thomas Hospital/Roy L. Schneider Hospital. In addition, she contributed to the advancement of the nursing profession as an instructor in St. Thomas, V.I. and Chicago, Illinois.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and community volunteer. She especially enjoyed entertaining family, friends and neighbors as well as growing beautiful orchids in her Florida home. Remaining to cherish Mercedes’ memory are her children: Debbie (Pierre) Soulier, Jackie (Alpheus) Rogers, and Jean Downing. Grandchildren: Stephen Rogers, Samantha Rogers, Sandi Soulier and Melissa Soulier. Sister-in-Law, Lillian Greaux (of New York) and numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.

Mercedes is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Annesta Greaux. Brothers: Lawrence, Flavious, Louis, Austin, Carl and Rudolph. Sisters: Edith Brown and Rita Vessup.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34639