Irene Virginia Downey

The staff of Heishman Funeral Home/Valley Funeral Service sends condolences to the family of Ms. Irene Virginia Downey. Irene Virginia Downey, 97, of Sevierville, TN entered her Heavenly home into the arms of Jesus on September 1st, 2026. She was born on February 8, 1929, in Hamburg, VA to the late Alfred Russell Sr. and Margaret Dellinger Heishman. Irene was the widow of Charles Jackson (Jack) Downey who passed away in April of 2008. Irene adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved her family and friends. Music was her passion, and she spent endless hours playing both piano and organ in church, Sunday school, and for special events as well as simply for the peace it brought her and the joy for others. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and will be remembered for her outgoing and outspoken personality. Gifted with a green thumb, she loved tending her flowers, both indoors and out. She will be remembered by many as “the Bingo Queen”. Irene worked 25 years as a sales associate at JC Penney’s both in Va. and Pa. until her retirement in 1991. She is survived by two sons, Dennis F. (wife, Sheri) Downey of Seymour, Tn. and Ronald Downey (wife, Kim) of Strasburg, Va.; a daughter, Tamela (husband, Kenny) Bare of Fulks Run, Va.; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister Nancy Showman and brother Richard Heishman (wife, Charlotte); her sister-in-law, Genevieve Heishman; a foster sister-in-law, Diane Greene, a life-long friend, Joan Downey, and Diane Costello, a family friend of over 40 years as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Anna and Harry Funkhouse; her sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Donnie Foltz; her brother, Alfred Heishman, Jr; and brothers-in-law John L. Showman, Leon Downey, William “Bill” Downey, Turner (Jr.) Beedle, and sister-in-law Louise Beedle. The family would like to thank her friends, family and neighbors who visited and stayed in touch with her over the years. We would like to thank all the staff at Freedom Senior Living and Gentiva Hospice in Sevierville, Tn.; especially those who lovingly took care of her and made sure she was comfortable the past few months. Visitation will be held at Valley Funeral Service in Bowman’s Crossing, Va. at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10th with the service immediately following at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Sunset View Memorial Gardens, Woodstock, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Hamburg, Va. Online condolences may be left at www.valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Irene Virginia Downey

February 8, 1929 - September 1, 2026