H. Celeste Downs, 78, of Nanjemoy, MD passed away on October 7, 2009.

She was a retired Oprhans Court Judge for Charles County, Maryland. She served on the court for 16 years as Associate and Chief Judge. Prior to moving to Nanjemoy, MD she worked for Anacostia Bank in Washington D.C. in the proofing department. She was a real estate agent for Delta Realty before entering politics. After her retirement from the court she worked for the Charles County Library part time and delivered Meals on Wheels for residents in the Nanjemoy area and volunteered for Catholic Charity. She was a past member of the Ladies Auxiliary with the Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department.

Born August 23, 1931, in Washington D.C. to the late Joseph Wilmer Johnson and the late Helen Elizabeth Hayden.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband George F. Downs, brothers George "Bitsy" Fowler, Steven Fowler and step-father George W. Fowler.

She is survived by her sons, John Franklin Downs and his wife Anna of Nanjemoy, MD, Joseph Edward Downs of Reston, VA., daughters, Rebecca Kathleen Sundberg and her husband Chris of Indian Head, MD, Courtney Ann Davis and her hsuband Theodore Davis of Nanjemoy, MD, Victoria Elizabeth Downs, of Najemoy, MD, brothers, Anthony Fowler, Fisherville, VA, Richard Fowler, of Colonial Beach, VA, James Fowler, Avenue, MD, sisters; Zoe Ann Vest of Colonial Beach, VA, Mary Russell , of Valley Lee, MD, and Virginia Hughes, of Leonardtown, MD. Grandchildren, Stephanie and Amanda Gilroy, George Joseph Ryan Downs, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and close extended family members.

Celeste grew up in Washington D.C. and spent most of her childhood summers with the Johnson's and Hayden family members in St. Mary's County, MD. She and her husband George moved to Nanjemoy, MD in 1964 and remained there until her death. She enjoyed family, friends, reading, canning and gardening along with a good political discussion. In 1991 she was the recipient of the Charles County Democratic Distinguished Award.

Pallbearers; James Fowler, Dennis Evans, Mark Vest, Raymond Cruit, James Gorman, and Mike Toder.

Honarary Pallbearers: Jospeh Guarducci, Richard Fowler, Anthony, Robert Russell, Samule Toder, Sr., Danny Toder, Marleen Deen, Delegate Mike Sprague

Viewing will be on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 2pm - 4pm & 6pm - 8pm with prayers at 7 pm at AREHART-ECHOLS Funeral Home, P.A. Mass will be on Monday, October 12, 2009 at 11 am at St. Ignatius Church, Hill Top, MD. Burial will be held at the Downs Family Cemetery Oak Grove Farm, Nanjemoy, MD. Donations may be made to Ironsides Volunteer Rescue Squad or Hospice of Charles County.

Arrangements provided by AREHART-ECHOLS Funeral Home, P.A.