Vernie Mae Anders Downen of Sheridan, Arkansas was born July 3, 1928 in Appleton, Arkansas the daughter of the late W.A. and Odie Patterson Anders. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Sheridan and had retired from Sterling Faucet. She enjoyed gardening and growing flowers in her beautiful yard.

Ms. Downen died Thursday, December 21, 2023 at her home at the age of 95.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a spouse, Edward Howard Downen; a son, Billy Ray Downen, grandson, Thad Downen, granddaughter, Amber Taylor; brother, Johnny Anders; sisters, Vannie Welch and Mary Raymer; son-in-law, Wayne Taylor; and a daughter Martha Mayhugh.

Survivors: daughter, Joyce Taylor of Sheridan; brother, William "Dub" Anders (Sharron) of Prattsville; sisters, Audrey Cooper. Dorothy Dillbeck; grandchildren, Brian Downen, Chris (Hollie) Taylor, Charlotte (Bobby) Ashcraft, Rhonda (Joe) Vanlandingham, great grandchildren, Cammie Taylor, Drake Ezekiel, Michael Roberts, Kaithlyn Roberts, Jacob Roberts, Caden Downen, Logan Downen, Mason Vanlandingham, Seth Ashcraft, Keaton Ross, Tyler Moss; great great grandchild, Norah Moss and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Graveside service will be Tuesday, December 26, 2003 at 11:00 A.M. at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan.