Susy M. Downey born January 7, 1928 in Lexington, Kentucky (Fayette County) peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at her home.

Third born of five to the late Jessie J. and the late Mattie Broadus Downey. Susy was educated in Fayette County, Kentucky schools. At age 16, Susy graduated from Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky and continued her education at Kentucky State College (Kentucky State University) graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology & Chemistry.

After working in Chicago Public Libraries, Susy was recruited to teach in the Charles County Public School System (Bel Alton High School) by J.C. Parks, a childhood friend of her father, Jessie. In 1950, Susy met James M. Washington and they were married on March 22, 1951, from this union three sons were born; Kenneth S., Kerwin B., and Keith D. Susy taught in the Charles County Public School System until 1958. In 1962, she returned to work as a Case Worker at the Charles County Department of Social Services until retirement in 1984.

After retirement, Susy became active in the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter of her college sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and was a part of the planning of the Tri-County Maryland Alumnae Chapter. Susy was an active member of Metropolitan United Methodist Church, where she participated in the A.C. Kane Memorial Choir, Combined Choir, United Methodist Women, served as Church Treasurer, and worked on various community projects.

In addition to her parents, Susy was preceded in death by her siblings Marion N. Downey Ester (Roger), Jessie C. Downey (Gladys), and Roberta Downey.

Susy leaves to celebrate her memory her husband, James M. of 60 years, her sons, Kenneth S., Kerwin B., and Keith D., brother, Charles C. Downey (Anna), grandchildren, Keahnan P. and Kirstin E. Washington of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, devoted friend, Anna P. White, and a host of relatives and friends.

Viewing, 9 to 10:15am; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Memorial Service, 10:15am; Homegoing Celebration, 11am on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 3385 Metropolitan Church Road, Indian Head, Maryland. Interment, Church Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home, P.A.