Charlene Garrett Downing, of Holt passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at home with her family. Charlene was born December 17, 1941 in Holt, FL and was a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Milligan, she enjoyed Liverpool Rummy, her weekly Bible study, putting puzzles together and visiting with friends and family.
Charlene is preceded in death by her husbands, Bill Garrett in 1987 and Buck Downing in 2017, and her daughter Cindy Garrett Etheredge. She is survived by her two sons, Kevin Garrett (Charlene), Ronnie Garrett, niece Theresa Gay Green, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Services will be held Monday, from the Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service, beginning at 11am with Pastor Charles Smith officiating, burial to follow at Antioch Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 10 to 11am at the funeral home.
You may leave your condolences at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Darlene Simpler Soules (Friend of family)
October 8, 2020, 12:00 am
Kevin and Ronnie , So sorry for your loss. Charlene was like a second mom to me growing up. She will be greatly missed !! Now she is reunited with your daddy, Buck , Cynthia, her parents and Nell . Just know that y’all will be in my prayers in these coming days, weeks and months !!
Ruby Evans Stone (Family Friend)
October 11, 2020, 12:00 am
Hi I am a childhood friend of Charlene and want to share:
Charlene, her sister Nell (Nelllie Ruth) and neighbor friends Bettie Lou Evans, Ruby Nell Evans and 2 brothers W.L. and J.B., and a baby girl Gloria Ann Evans grew up together as neighbors at Galliver. Ruth and Laney Evans, our parents lived very close to the railroad track. Charlene and Nellie Ruth and their parents lived a short distance from the Evans family.
The families grew to be close as if they were relatives. We four girls set up play houses in bushes and used empty Vicks jars and anything else we could gather for our make believe dishes. We thought we were living in high cotton with riches galore. Little did we know we would follow each other all these years. Living as neighbors for a good few years was a true blessing.
These are fond and precious memories and would share much more but do not want to bore you. If you have an interest just let me know.
Ruby Stone
Arcadia, FL.
Darlene Garrett (Friend)
October 18, 2020, 12:00 am
You will be missed. You were a great influence in my life. My second mom for a time, and a wonderful christian lady. Condolences to your family.