Sally F. Downey
April 3, 1927 ~ July 21, 2026
Born in:
Clover, Virginia
Resided in:
Ashburn, Virginia
Sally Ferrell Downey, 99, of Ashburn, VA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Loving mother of Deborah D. Sparks and Harry L. Downey, III. Survived by three grandchildren, Amanda L. Hoban (Joseph), Nicholas L. Downey, and Katherine R. Wacek (Timothy). Also survived by five great grandchildren Joseph P. Hoban, IV, John H. Hoban, Benjamin E. Wacek, Jacob A. Wacek, and Chloe L. Wacek.
Sally was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Harry L. Downey, Jr., her parents John H. Ferrell and Hattie Moorefield Ferrell, and seven siblings.
Sally was born on April 3, 1927, in Clover, VA. The youngest of eight, Sally grew up on a tobacco farm. After high school, Sally moved to Richmond, VA, to attend The Pan-American School, a secretarial and business school for women. She went on to work for an insurance company in Richmond.
Sally met her husband, Bud, on a blind date. After six months of dating, they were married on March 3, 1950. In 1954, Sally and Bud moved to Northern Virginia and purchased a home in Falls Church, VA, in 1955. This was her home for the next 65 years. In 2020, due to health concerns, Sally moved to assisted living.
Church was an important part of Sally’s life. She was an active member of Columbia Church in Falls Church, VA, for 50 years. Prior to Columbia Church, she was a member of The First Baptist Church of Clarendon, Arlington, VA.
Sally retired from Arlington Public Schools after circa 25 years. In retirement, Sally volunteered at INOVA Fairfax and traveled.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 13, 2026, 2 PM, at Columbia Church, Falls Church, VA. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cementery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Columbia Foundation, 103 West Columbia Street, Falls Church, VA 22046. https://columbia.church/
Services
Celebration of Life: August 13, 2026 2:00 pm
Columbia Church
103 W Columbia St
Falls Church, VA 22046
703-534-5700
https://columbia.church/
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The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you.
Bob Gallagher
Funeral Director