Sandra Downs
Sandra Downs, resident of League City, and later Friendswood, Texas, went to heaven on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at the age of 85. She was born on March 7, 1935 in Collinsville, Illinois to Vernon and Betty Wendler. A Collinsville High School graduate, Sandra began work straight out of high school, first starting as a phone operator, and eventually working for the railroad. Ultimately, though, Sandra received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Southern Illinois University and taught grade school for several years. Upon re-settling in the gulf coast of Texas with her family, Sandra finished the remaining twenty years of her career as a social worker, doing the thing she excelled at most-helping those in need. Sandra is preceded in death by her mother Betty Wendler, father Vernon Wendler, husband James Albert Downs and brother James Wendler. Sandra is survived by her son James Robert Downs, daughters Jan Elizabeth Downs and Kim Alicia Downs, brother David Wendler, grandchildren Caleb, Seth and DeLaney and many other loving family and friends. The Family will receive friends on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 1:00PM with a Celebration of Life Ceremony at 2 o’clock at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573 with Reverend Joel McMahon presiding. A small Grave Side Ceremony will be held at St. John Cemetery in Collinsville, Illinois under the direction of Herr Funeral Home, phone (618) 344-0187, 501 West Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send memorials to League City United Methodist Church, 1601 West League City Parkway, League City, Texas 77573 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave. FL 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Due to the COVID 19 public gathering restrictions, Crowder Funeral Home requires all visitors to wear a mask and maintain a social distance of six feet from attendees. Maximum occupancy is 70 guests. Please maintain a social distance during the visitation, while seated in the chapel. Your assistance during this difficult time is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Sandra and I were very close friends while working together for many years with the State. Every day that we were both in office we took our breaks together. Those breaks are one of my fondest memories of my years with the state. Sandra was funny, smart, a great conversationalist and interested in just about everything. She cared deeply about people on a personal level and cared just as deeply about important social issues pertaining to the welfare of all. My sincere sympathy to Jim, Jan and Kim and to the rest of the Downs and Wendler families. Sandra was a treasure whom i cared for deeply.
Thank you Shaun. She loved you dearly.
Sandra was such a wonderful person! My heart breaks for all her loved ones. In one of our (LCUMC) newly started Sunday school classes (don’t ask me which one—David and I have been a part in the start of several and my memory is awful), Sandra volunteered to teach us. She was just the best teacher and she became our lifelong friend. She may have been from the next generation, but she kept up and had twice as much energy as we did. “Welcome home, good and faithful servant,” Jesus is saying to her. So many brought to Christ and brought closer to HIM by her teaching. We love you so much, Sandra. My prayers are with your family. We look forward to the day we’ll see you again. Sending you and Jim, Kim, Jan and all the rest of your family our love… Terry and David
Sandra and I worked together for seven years as caseworkers for the State and kept in touch after I left that job to teach school. We used to meet for lunch a couple of times a year. Sandra was a wonderful friend and co-worker. She loved her family (including the pets, of course!), her friends, her clients and her church, and was always ready to listen or help someone whenever needed. I feel fortunate to have known her. My condolences to her family.
Thank you Marci. You were very special to her. Thank you for being her friend. She loved you.
Elmer and I send our condolences to your family. Sandra was always very kind to us. May you be comforted by your happy memories of her presence.
I Remember Mrs. Downs as a sweet and caring person and always had a smile when I visited Jim. She and Mr. Downs treated me like one of their own and I loved them for that! They will always be family to me. I’m sorry I did not make it down for today! Love, Carlos and family.
Thank you Carlos.
Thank you Marci. I know she treasured you as a friend.
The statement that Sandra excelled at helping those in need is accurate. I supervised her for a few years in Houston before I moved to Austin. She was adept at assessing client needs and finding the resources to meet those needs. If there was a backlog of cases, she was always willing to accept them and never turned down additional assignments. An exceptional person indeed.
Our names were so similar that we kept clients and staff confused when the calls were misdirected. It was hard to convince some that they had the wrong person.
I hope the many fond memories you have will bring you comfort during this difficult time. My sincerest condolences to all of you.
Thank you Sue. She spoke of you often and was very fond of you. Thank you for being an awesome boss and a good friend.