Alpha Blackwell Downs
February 13, 1948 ~ June 4, 2006
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Alpha Blackwell Downs, 58, of Asheville, died unexpectedly Sunday, June 4, 2006.
Mrs. Downs was born in Haywood County and was the daughter of the late Retha Rebecca Blackwell. She was married to the late Perry Michael Downs. Alpha was Assistant Vice-president and branch manager of Blue Ridge Savings Bank. She was a long time member of the Xi Omega Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and she attended Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.
Surviving are her father, Houston C. Blackwell; two sons, Barry Babb of Swannanoa and John Babb and his wife, Beth, and step-granddaughter, Alyssa, of Weaverville; the father of her sons, Bobby Babb of Black Mountain; and her brother, Bob Blackwell and his wife Carol, of Candler.
A memorial service will be at 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church with the Revs. Phillip Hurst and Jerry Warren officiating.
Her family will receive friends from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Memorials may be made to Eliada Home for Children, PO Box 16708, Asheville, NC 28816.
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I am very saddened to hear of Alpha Jane’s death. I have so many fond memories of her and her wonderful sense of humor having graduated from Enka with her in 1966 and remember her from class reunions. We will surely miss her and especially at our 40th reunion that is coming up in August. My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
We were so distressed to learn of Alpha’s passing. She was so very kind to my elderly mother and father, who were her customers at Blue Ridge. When my parents were no longer able to drive, she would pick up their banking in person, return their receipts, and would often stay to visit. She was funny, personable, and giving. She offered many times to do other errands for them. We will miss her terribly. Our deepest condolences to her family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time of loss.
Beth M. Thomas
Amber Kelly
Blue Ridge Savings Bank
Stanley, NC 28164
John and Barry So shocked and saddened by Alpha’s death. Still hard to believe she has gone. She was so much a part of our family for so long. We had great times in the old days. It is hard to write this, but I hope that you will have faith and be strong the way your mother was. We may not be able to attend the funeral but our thoughts and prayers are there nevertheless. We love you. Uncle Dan and Aunt Barbara
Alpha, was such an open spirit. She made friends everywhere she went. She touched so many people’s lives and her precense really made the world a better place.
All of her friends will miss her so deeply. There is clearly a hole in our lives, God Bless her and her family in this time of trial.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
My prayers are with your family at this trying time.
Mary.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
My deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to your family not only now but in the difficult days to follow. I represent only one of many who are both shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of your mom.
Dearest Jon, Beth and Alyssa,
We are so saddened by your loss. Even though we have never met Jon or his mother, we have learned from Beth what a amazing woman she was. I know that Beth and Alyssa were welcomed into her family with open arms and a warm heart.
Gods Blessings to you and your family.
Phil, April, Emily and Jonathan Cason
To the Family of Dear Alpha, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Alpha will always be remembered as a fun loving and genuinely caring person. You’re in my thoughts and prayers and I pray that God continues to surround you with his love. Friend, Diane Andrade
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone at this time of loss.
Blue Ridge Savings Bank
Fletcher Branch
HOUSTON,BOB,CAROL,AND FAMILY
MOM AND CLAUDE CALLED US JUNE 5TH TO TELL US WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I WAS IN SHOCK. THE FAMILY HAS GONE THROUGH SO MUCH IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO EACH OF YOU DURING THIS TIME. I HAVE LEARNED TO APPRECIATE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST, AS LIFE CAN END SO QUICKLY. REMEMBER, I AM THINKING OF EACH OF YOU, AND LOVE YOU ALL. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
ALL MY LOVE
JAN AND HUSBAND GORDON
Dear John,
My prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord Bless you and be with you.
I live next door to your mother. I was away at the coast for 3 weeks and didn’t return until after the accident. I asked Eva, another neighbor, about Alfa and she gave me the bad news. I think your mom was an extremely nice and uplifting person. I’m so saddened by her passing. I miss seeing her with her beautiful smile so much, and I extend my best to you, her family. Once again, I’m so sorry.
To The Family OF Alpha,
I am so sorry to hear about your
mother, she was a wonderful caring
lady.
All of our prayers are with you.
Sincely,
Parson Hensley
BARRY,
I KNOW YOU CAN’T IMANGINE LIFE WITHOUT YOUR MOTHER. SHE WAS SUCH A BIG PART OF YOUR LIFE AND YOU WERE SUCH A BIG PART OF HERS AS WELL. I KNOW HOW PROUD SHE WAS OF YOU AND JOHN. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL MOTHER AND ALWAY TALKING ABOUT HER TWO HANDSOM SONS. YOU JUST KEEP SHINING JUST LIKE SHE RAISED YOU TO. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Dear Bob, Carol and family:
Just wanted to let you know how sorry and shocked I am to learn of Alpha’s untimely death. When I remember her I always want to smile. No matter when I saw her, she always took time to catch up on things. We are reminded just how short life really is when things like this happen. We will miss her at our class reunion in August – I am sure we will all have some story to tell about her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and her sons.
Phyllis McKinney Jamison
I am perrys first cousin. I can remember all the good times we had at their super bowl parties. All the good food and good times especially her biscuits and gravy. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
I continue to pray for all of you during these terribly difficult days. You are a precious family. If I can help you in the days that follow, please let me know.
Chaplain Sue Wright-Barron, APD
just to let you know how sorry and shocked I was to hear of ALPHA’S death. you all will be in my prayer’s during this time.she will surely be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss we will miss talking to Alpha on the phone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God Bless
Betty, Tabatha
& Gail
The Boone Branch
Our hearts are heavy. We are keeping your family in our prayers. Love, Sue and Don
Alpha was a good friend and she will be remembered fondly by me. I offer my deepest sympathy to her family–she loved you all very much. I met her through the bank and also the hospice support group. May God comfort you as only He can.
I was really sad to hear the news about Alpha’s death. I remember working with her at First Union. She always had a funny story and kept us smiling. She always made time for the bank clients and was always willing to go the extra mile. May God bless her family who will miss her so.
We were so sorry to hear about Alpha. She was such a special lady.
Please know that you all are in our prayers.
God Bless You All–
Kathy and Jerry Jimison
Our hearts were saddened to hear of Alfa’s passing. She and Perry were so much fun. We will always remember the joy of knowing them at Bethesda. May God wrap his arms around you and hold you close.
Lewis, Jeanette and Ed Swann
Bob and Carol
We are very sorry for your loss. Traci, John and I will continue to keep you and your family in our daily prayers.
Houston, Bob, and Family,
Please know that our prayers are with you all during this time.
David and Shelly Flynn
I worked with Alpha for several years at the main office of Blue Ridge Savings Bank. She was always so much fun. You never knew what was going to come out of her mouth, and we loved her for that. Several of us would call her ‘big bird’ because she was so tall! I really think she liked her nickname. I am very sad that I cannot pop into the Candler branch and say hello. I should have visited her more, but I know she is with our Lord and Savior and it gives me great peace to know she knew Jesus well. I will see you one day, Alpha!!! Love, Ellen Serracino
To Alpha’s family & friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. Alpha and I graduated from Enka High School the same year. She was a dear person. I pray our LORD will hold you close and comfort you.
Most sincerely, Deidra
Bob and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of the tragic accident and death of your sister. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Cathy Hill
I got to know Alpha when she worked in the proof department at Community Bank, and worked with her at the Black Mountain Branch. She was a great person. She is a person that I will always remember her. She was a fun person to work with and she will be missed.