Darlene R. Downs – Metropolitan Funeral

Darlene Renee Downs took her eternal rest on March 17, 2022. Darlene was born in Norfolk, Virginia on April 16, 1966, to the late William Dove Williams and Cora L. Williams. She attended Norview High School and Edie Adams Cut and Curl Academy. After attending both institutions, Darlene was employed by Norfolk Public Schools as a cafeteria worker/food handler which embodied her spirit for helping others and food!

As the “family foodie” Darlene love a good meal. She always just wanted a taste of what everyone was eating even though she was never able to finish each meal accumulating a small stack of plates in the microwave for snacking. Darlene’s infectious spirit for food, laughing, and joking created a bond with the Norfolk Public School students about what was good on the menu.

Known for her quick wit and humble personality, Darlene was beloved and respected within the Norview community where she resided and proudly called home. Her zeal for life was amplified in 2021 as she became a grandmother for the first time. Her granddaughter Giana, or “CG” as she called her, gave Darlene a great sense of pride and appreciation for the value of life which correlated with the love she had for her three sons.

Darlene was predeceased by her husband Donald Lance Downs II and brother Deshawn Grant Newsome.

To cherish her loving memory, Darlene leaves her mother Cora Williams, sons Donald Downs III, Ronald Downs, Jonathan Justice, and granddaughter Giana Downs all of Norfolk, VA. In addition, are Darlene’s brothers; William Lee Williams of Virginia Beach, VA Sebastian Williams of Portsmouth, VA; two sisters, Christine Williams-Ward of Roanoke, VA and Arana Williams of Tallahassee, FL. A very special nephew and niece DeShawn and Tennille Brock of Norfolk, VA, as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.