Nell (Stewart) Downs

Nellie Ruth Stewart Downs
Mitchell, GA

Warrenton, GA –Ms. Nellie Ruth “Nell” Stewart Downs, age 86, entered into rest Monday, December 22, 2025, in At-Home Senior Living in Thomson.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 pm, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Friendship Baptist Church in Mitchell with the Mr. John Wood officiating.   Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the Church.  A meal will be served after the service in the church social hall.

She was born December 21, 1939, in Thomson, GA.  She was the daughter of the late William Eli Stewart and Pauline Smith Stewart, both of Thomson.  Nell married young.  She married Alvin T. Downs, Jr., on her birthday in 1956. They lived in Mitchell, GA most of their married life.  Nell worked at Morgan’s Furniture in Warrenton, GA for many years.  She also became a rural letter carrier and made many lifelong friends at both jobs.  She retired from the post office around 2010.  Everywhere she went in Warren and surrounding counties, someone knew her.  She loved helping her neighbors and those less fortunate than her.  She kept furniture and things people would need in her sheds; if someone’s house burned down or there was another need she would be prepared to help. 

Nell and Alvin attended state Rural Carrier Conventions all over the United States.  They hosted their rural carrier friends and neighbors at Cason’s Pond many times.  A good time was had by all each time.  Nell won many awards throughout her career. 

Nell had a difficult childhood.  Her mother died when she was young.  The children went to live with families who would take them in.  She was truly blessed.  Dorothy and Allen Downs from Thomson took her in.  They had tfour children, Kathryn Downs Bundy (Columbus), Richard Downs (Thomson), Robert Downs (Hiawassee), and Rodney Downs (San Antonio, TX).  She thinks of them as her siblings and they all keep in touch often.  Before she became ill, Rodney called her every day. 

Nell was very close with her sister, Kathryn Stewart Downs Widup. 

Nell was a member of Friendship Baptist Church for many years.  She was the treasurer and pianist for several years.  She loved the LORD!  She loved reading devotionals and attending church.  She was always willing to help anyone in need.   She also loved to read, cross stitch and go out to eat.  Her favorite music was Alan Jackson Precious Memories CD, She knew every word!

Nell was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Alvin T. Downs, Jr., her two sons John Alvin Downs and William Arthur Downs, and three brothers, James Eli Stewart and Arthur Eugene (Gene) Stewart and William Stewart (Junior), Jr.  She is survived by her sister, Kathryn Stewart Downs Widup, grandson Jonathon Downs, former daughter-in-law, Kim Downs Quarles and her 5 children: Rebekah, Rachel, Carrie, Jessie, and Leah Culpepper as well as many nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to say a special thank you to Doris Chalker, Mary Evelyn Johnson, Arlean Mills and Loretta Tucker for their special care and friendship to Nell; At- Home Senior Living for the special care she received during her stay.  She truly felt at home there, all the staff truly loved her.  Also, the staff of Bristol Hospice, they were so caring, loving and there for all her needs.

Pallbearers will be Ralph Mauldin, III., Marc Mauldin, Jamie Chesser, Ronnie Smith, Shymaine Battle, and Allen Smith.  Memorials may be made to Friendship Baptist Church C/O Eddie Phillips 5816 Friendship Road Mitchell, Georgia 30820.

LOWE FUNERAL HOME 77 W. GIBSON STREET WARRENTON, GA (706) 465-3333.

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