Eleanor Downing

Biography Eleanor Ann Downing, daughter of the late James and Clara Edwards, was born on May 23, 1955 in Raeford, NC. On November 30, 2013 Eleanor went home to her final resting place. She was affectionately known by her loved ones as No, Nora, Aunty or number 1 Guru. After moving to Brooklyn at a young age, she joined Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she taught vacation bible school. Eleanor attended public school and graduated from Prospects Heights High School. After high school she enrolled in New York City Technical College. She then went on to join Safe Space, a work program where she earned the honor of Valedictorian. Eleanor joined the workforce with a position at Chemical Bank. However, her love of children directed her path to a management position at Justice for Children Daycare, and lastly retired from Macy’s Department Store.Eleanor married her soul mate Ernest Downing (who she affectionately called Honey) on June 1, 1996, and out of their loving marriage they raised a beautiful baby girl named Chamica, who stole her heart at first sight. Eleanor loved being a wife and a mother. In 2012 she was blessed with a new title of Grandmother when Liam Chase Walrond was presented into the world on December 30. Eleanor was easy going, valued life and loved to laugh. She cherished her time spent surrounded by family. The family reunions were her favorite vacations. She enjoyed traveling, shopping and chatting on the phone. She treasured her visits to California, Vegas and Atlanta, and loved cruising to tropical islands in the Caribbean. When she was home she was chatting on the phone getting the latest “family” gossip or in the mall shopping. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted husband Ernest Downing; one daughter, Chamica Walrond of Fairburn, GA; one son in-law (the son she always wanted) Jason Walrond; one Grandson Liam Walrond; a niece she called her first born, Quintessa Gray of Brooklyn, NY; one niece she called her own, Chevon Phifer(Maurice) of Brooklyn, NY; Three Sisters: Rosa King (Lewis) and Dollie Manigo (Thomas) of Fayetteville, NC; Mary Rouse(Williard); one brother Garry Edwards(Valerie) of Brooklyn, NY; two nephews and one niece raised as siblings Robert Edwards(Vanessa) and Elwood Edwards and Yvonne King of Fayetteville, NC; one brother in law Herman Gray Jr of Fayetteville, NC; two sisters in law, Emma Edwards of Fayetteville, NC and Shelva Edwards of Brooklyn, NY; one aunt Allie Rogers of Fayetteville, NC; Five Step-children: Ernest of Lakewood, OH, Kecia of Brooklyn, NY, Raquel Of Brooklyn, NY, Quinn of Tampa, FL, and Michael of Brooklyn, NY; one Goddaughter Tasha Manigo-Bizzell of Baltimore, MD, one Godson Tyler Manigo of Fayetteville, NC; one granddaughter Asia Downing of Tampa, FL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Eleanor Downing

May 23, 1955 - November 30, 2013