Caroline Elizabeth Downey, 89, of Excelsior Springs, M0., passed away at 4:16 p.m. September 2, 2018 at the Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehab Center. Caroline was born on July 26, 1929 in Orrick, Mo., to John Clevenger and Edna (Mills) Clevenger. She lived most of her life in the Ray and Clay County areas.
She was united in marriage to Charles Downey in April 1983. He preceded her in death on November of 2007.
Caroline was a licensed beautician and owned and operated her own shop from her home in Liberty, Mo., and Atlanta, Mo. She also had owned a restaurant in Atlanta, Mo., and for a time had operated the Bearcat Den in Orrick. Caroline was a member of Union Baptist Church, northwest of Orrick. Caroline loved to cook, and she loved to go camping. She especially enjoyed when the family would camp out at the Missouri State Fair. She loved her family and especially loved the kids, not just the kids she was related to, but all kids.
Caroline was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Downey; and her siblings, George Clevenger, Ben Clevenger, Leta Pottorf, Margaret Goode and Glen Clevenger.
Survivors include her son, Danny Wilson (Mary Kay) of Kansas City, Mo.; step son, Tom (Dana) Downey of Atlanta, Mo.; grandson, Todd Wilson (Janell) of Camden, Mo.; step grandson, Tim Downey of Atlanta, Mo.; and step granddaughter, Tammy Rhodes of Atlanta, Mo. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Blaine, Ethan and Emma Wilson, Cassie and Corey Rhodes, and Dylan and Lilly Downey, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.
Funeral services will be Friday morning, September 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Union Baptist Church, northwest of Orrick. Burial will follow in the Union Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Excelsior Springs Nursing and Rehab Center, 1003 Meadowlark Lane, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.