Melinda Kay Downs
Melinda Kay Downs, 67, of Santa Fe, Texas passed away on June 11, 2022,at Methodist Hospital. Melinda was born October 5, 1954, in LaMarque, Texas to parents, J.M. Vanya and Ruby (Hoke) Vanya.
Melinda graduated from Dickinson High School in 1973. She went on to meet and married the love of her life, Robert L. Downs and shared a wonderful 48 years. She retired from Hitchcock ISD in 2016. Melinda worked as a business administrator. She was also a member of the Abundant Life Christian Center in LaMarque, Texas. She was a loving wife, Mother, but her favorite title was Nana. She loved being with her family. Melinda was always ready for the next adventure. She was for sure the life of the party. She will be remembered for her laughter and joy that she brought to everyone that knew her.
Melinda was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ida Powell and brother, Walter Hales and son, Jimmy Lawrence Downs.
She is survived by her husband, Robert L. Downs; daughter, Amanda Kay Sweat and husband, Richard; granddaughters, Nicole Dunn and husband David, Chasity Sweat, Trinity Sweat and Paislee Sweat, sisters, Mary Vanya Dill and husband Norman of Kountze, Texas and Karen Vanya Kirkindoll and husband Eugene of Silsbee, Texas as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
In her honor, there will be a celebration of life held on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 4:00 pm with visitation from 3:00 – 4:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson, Texas.
I still cannot believe you’re gone, I am so so many good memories to sustain me. You will definitely be missed call on the Downs. Love you
Melinda was a very special lady and a loving sister in law, she will be missed so much by everyone who knew her, my heart is breaking for my brother Bob, Amanda, Trinity and Paislee and Richard, love her so much
I am so saddened by the loss of Aunt Melinda. I came to know and love her with all my heart. She was alway so full of life, laughter and joy. I know she will be sorely missed By Uncle Bob, Amanda, and especially her grandkids who she adored.
Aunt Melinda was a great servant and Child if God. I know she is rejoicing with him today.
I will always cherish the great memories we had.
I know the years with Melinda were not enough for those who held her so dear to their hearts. To her beloved family, I extend my deepest condolences. May the beautiful memories of Malinda comfort all during this difficult time and forever bring smiles to your faces. John 5:28,29; Psalms 37:11,29
Bob, I send my sincere sympathy to you and your family, and to Melinda’s sisters and families. It’s hard to believe she is gone. She was such a sweet person. But she is with her Jesus now. May God give you His peace.
My sincere condolences. I loved working with her and she was always the life of any get together. She will be missed.
I know this is a tuff cup for you and the family to bare. My heart breaks for you and you all are in my prayers. Melinda was one of a kind and I love her so much. I’m at a loss for words.
Melinda will greatly be missed. She was such a great person! Very happy go lucky and a laughter that would warm any 💜
I just can’t believe this! I loved her and enjoyed working with her. We worked together for 12 years at CMS. She will be dearly missed. God gained a great Angel.
I enjoyed the short time I worked with Melinda at HISD. She was kind, sweet, and nothing seemed to ruffle her. She was a good example to follow. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. She has been welcomed home now.
I met Melinda through my son Chad after we moved to Barksdale. Amanda and Chad were best friends doing everything together even going Hurricane chasing in Louisiana!! I feel so very blessed to have known Melinda and LOVED being around her!! She was absolutely infectious!!!! She wasn’t suppose to go on our senior trip but I was determined to find a way for her to be able go because I knew it would be a lot more fun with her there, and boy was it ever!! She was definitely the life of the party!!!! If Melinda ever had a bad day you would never know it!! All she ever wanted and talked about was for Amanda to get married and have her some grand babies!! I was never so happy when that wonderful, blessed day came for her and Bob. I visited her a few times when I came to Baytown to visit my family and I loved seeing them with their babies!! I loved her so very much and also Bob and Amanda. Bob and Amanda,I want you to know that our prayers are with you and your family. I pray strength and peace for you and pray for the sweet Holy Spirit to wrap His arms around you and bring you the comfort that only He can do. I know that God will get you all through this very difficult time and oh what a blessed reunion we will all have one day!! Love ❤️ you all 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Melinda was a great sister-in-law. She was always full of laughter and so kind. She could make my day brighter with a phone call. I will miss our talks so much. To know her was to love her.
If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane. I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you back again.
My prays and deepest sympathy to all her loved ones, she will always stay in our hearts and memories.
Our sincere condolences to Uncle Bob, Amanda, Aunt Karen, Aunt Mary and family. Sweet Aunt Melinda you were always so sweet, loving, kind and funny. I hope mom, Uncle Mack, granny and papaw met you at Heavens doors, happy to see you and celebrate the beginning of your new journey. May you RIP
I cannot believe you are gone sweet Aunt Melinda you will be sorely missed
Amanda your momma was the sweetest! When she left the school and retired I sure missed her! She always helped me when I would come to the school for one of the kids or when I called. She loved those two baby girls and you dearly. My deepest condolences to you and your family. She will be missed!