Patsy Jo Allen Downey

Patsy Jo Allen Downey, 90, of Gonzales, passed away Sunday, Jan. 7. Patsy was born Sept. 2, 1927 in Gonzales to Lewis Allen and Mattie Mercer Allen. She graduated from Gonzales High School with the Class of 1945. Patsy married Joseph A. Downey Jr., on June 23, 1946 in the Gonzales First Baptist Church where she remained as a lifelong member and was very involved in interchurch ministries.

Growing up in Gonzales in the midst of the Great Depression Patsy learned to be frugal from her father and generous to those less fortunate from her mother. She loved visiting her cousins in Lockhart and Austin which may have been the foundation for her undeniable love of family. After graduating from high school Patsy worked for the Burchard Law Office until raising her family took precedent over working outside the home. Once her children were settled Patsy worked as a Teacher’s Aid in the Gonzales Independent School System for nearly 30 years.

Patsy was a loving and caring Christian woman, she lived an example of her faith for her children and all that knew her to follow. Patsy lost her beloved husband in 1977. Her greatest loves in her life was her family and her church, all of which gave her the strength and the assurance to carry on after the loss of her husband. Patsy loved to travel and she traveled to destinations in New York, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada sometimes traveling with friends and other times with her granddaughter Dandy. Granny as her grandchildren lovingly called her, adored her grandchildren and led them in her Christian faith and manner of panache and elegance as well. Patsy was a wonderful cook and lovingly prepared memorable meals for her family, drawing all the family together were some her most treasured moments.

Patsy Jo Allen Downey is survived by her loving family, daughter, Deborah Elaine and husband Clarence Opiela, of Gonzales, sons, Lewis Jeffrey and wife Brenda Downey of Gonzales, Steven Drew Downey and girlfriend Janet Elliott of Georgetown, Joseph Allen Downey of Gonzales, sister, Joyce Davis of Thompsonville, grandchildren, Shanna Heiman “Wayne”, Dandy Opiela and her partner Steven Rainosek, Jace Opiela “Shelly”, Heather Shelton “J.D.”, Adam Downey “Jen”, Jordan Blair Regier “Lance”, Taryn Mertz “Cody”, and Karli Jo Downey, great-grandchildren, Halea Heiman, Garrett Heiman, Barrett Shelton, Marli Rae Shelton, Tawni Shelton, Arlo Regier, Kate Mertz, Clair Mertz, Drew Regier, Tilden Mertz, Delaney Rainosek and Riley Rainosek, Clover Kelly, great-greatgrandchild, Bristol Olivia Whitehead and numerous nieces and nephews. Patsy was preceded in death by her husband and parents and step-father Elmer Reinhard.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 12, in the First Baptist Church in Gonzales with Dr. Chris Irving officiating. Interment will follow in Hermann Sons Cemetery. Pallbearers: Bill Davis, Jace Opiela, Wayne Heiman, Garrett Heiman, Adam Downey and Bob Davis. Honorary Pallbearers: Barrett Shelton, Lance Regier, Bryan Davis, Steven Rainosek, J.D. Shelton and Cody Mertz. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or the Joy Bells of the First Baptist Church. Friends may leave their condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.