Obituary - Dorothy Lee Chestnutt Downey
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Dorothy Lee Chestnutt Downey, 95, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 20, 2024, peacefully, at her home in Richmond, VA.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Carl G. Downey, Sr.; her parents James L. Chestnutt and Annie Lee Chestnutt; her sister, Nancy C. Powell; her brother, Jimmy Chestnutt; her daughter, Deborah L. Tomlin; three precious grandchildren, Randy, Christopher and Tracy Lanzerone; great- grand-daughters, Isabel and Caitlyn Yesbeck.
She is survived by her children, devoted daughter, and caregiver, Cathy Yesbeck (John), Nancy D Stovall (Ed); and son, Carl G Downey, Jr. (Debbie); eight grandchildren, Matthew, Erik, Jennifer, Coury, Justin, Christian, Hannah and Catherine; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; with another she awaited in October; a dear and devoted nephew, Bobby Powell (Eleanor); and a host of family, friends and neighbors.
Dorothy was born in Edenton, NC and anyone who spent any time with her knew that her hometown was the dearest and most special place on earth. Nags Head, NC was also a favorite place and she and her husband spent many summers creating cherished memories for their family. She was a lover of music and received her degree in Music Education from Brevard College where she would meet her husband, Carl. They moved to Richmond in 1950 where they raised their four children. She utilized her talent and education to teach piano to many students for many decades including most of her grandchildren.
In recent years, as her health began to decline, she looked forward to her weekly Mexican Train games with family. Her mind and memory remained strong, and she delighted in conversation with those who visited her in her last years. She especially enjoyed visits with members of Sandston Baptist Church where she was a member and enjoyed watching services from home every Sunday.
The family will receive friends from noon until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24 at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, Va. 23294. A service will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. A private family interment will be held at 3 p.m. at Washington Memorial Park.
