Edith Downs

Clyde, Edith Putnam Downs, 99, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Smoky Mountain Nursing and Rehab.

A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late George and Ethel Wright Putnam.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Horace Downs, who died in 1981; one son Bobby Downs; and two grandsons Mikey Stamey and Junior Worley.  Edith’s secret to a long life was simple, tomatoes and potatoes.  Edith was also a patient, giving, and beloved caregiver.  She was famous from Cullowhee to Asheville for her cat-head biscuits, but her personal favorite was coconut cake.  Edith was the cornerstone of her family and leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories.  She was also a strong witness to the Baptist faith and a follower of her Lord and Savior.

Edith is survived by four daughters, Vivian Worley and Ruth Stamey of Clyde, Debbie Lunsford (Tommy) of Weaverville, and Vicky O’Kelly of Clyde; four sons, Marvin Downs (Barbara), Johnny Downs, Horace Downs (Sharon), and Edward Downs (Teresa) all of Clyde; one sister, Janice Silver of Canton; one brother, Hugh Putnam (Margie) of Hickory; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the Wells Chapel of Waynesville with Reverend Millard Grant and Reverend Gary Putnam officiating.  Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to services in the Chapel.

The care of Edith has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com