Essie Lee Downs

Essie Lee Downs, 49, of Cascade, Virginia passed away Thursday, February 13, 2025. She was born October 10, 1975, in Danville, Virginia to the late James Irvin Gibbs Sr. and Shirley Benton Bolden.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Frank J. Benton and Essie S. Benton.

Essie attended Bartlett Yancey High School and was a waitress for most of her life. She was fond of her pet dog Chance. She enjoyed spending time with her friends at cookouts.

She is survived by her daughter, Janice Caswell (Bruce); son, Justin Staley; brother, David Gibbs (Melinda); niece, Stephanie Wray; nephew, David Gibbs Jr.; several half brothers and sisters; and several cousins and friends.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Wright Funeral Service with Pastor Hershel Stone officiating. Interment will follow at Fair Haven Memorial Park. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net