Vera Sue Downer (née Vaughan), age 90, of Elkton, MD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 15, 1934, in Hillsboro, West Virginia to the late Milton D. Vaughan and Minnie Josephine (McNulty) Vaughan.

Vera lived a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. She had a passion for travel, whether it was enjoying the serenity of the mountains or the calming waves of the beach. She especially loved trips to Atlantic City, where she found joy in playing the slot machines and sharing good times with family and friends.

A gifted gardener, Vera took great pride in tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, with lilies and tulips being among her favorites. She found peace in nature and joy in watching her plants flourish. Her home was always a welcoming place, filled with warmth, kindness, and the delicious aromas of her home-cooked meals. She was the heart of family gatherings, hosting memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners where her loved ones gathered to share in food, laughter, and love.

Vera’s caring nature extended beyond the holidays—she never missed a birthday and made sure those she loved felt special and cherished. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her daughters: Pamela “Pam” Shelby (Jr) and Laura Smith; grandchildren, Jacki Taylor (Jimmy), Autumn Bedenbaugh (Babe), and James Shelby (Nicole); great-grandchildren, Cameron Bedenbaugh, Winter Rose Bedenbaugh, Addison Shelby, Rachel Taylor, Rebecca Taylor, Keeley Shelby, and bonus great grandson, Rob Causey; sister, Mary Vaughan.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Downer; son, Jack Sharp; and siblings: Henry Vaughan, Joe Forrest Vaughan, Louise Kinnison (Vaughan), Pearl Baummer (Vaughan), and Jimmy Vaughan.

She will be laid to rest at Edgewood Memorial Park in Glen Mills, PA. A memorial service will be held at her home in Elkton on March 1, 2025 from 11:00AM-2:00PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made payable to “St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital”, “Accent Hospice”, or “Disabled Veterans Association” and send in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 259 East Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921.