Rita Downing Dorn was born to the late Willie and Bertha Downing on August 18, 1945. She departed this life on October 13, 2018 at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, Virginia.

Rita was educated in the public schools of Accomack County. She was employed at Showell Farms and later gained employment at Tom’s Cove in Chincoteague, Virginia. There, she was a dedicated employee for over thirty years, until her health began to fail.

Rita was a faithful member of the Church of God in Withams, Virginia under the leadership of the late Pastor Larnetta Crippen. The church changed its name to New Revelation Church under the leadership of Pastor Lorraine White, and Rita remained a faithful member. She served as the church musician, choir member, and “Mother” of the church. She loved the Lord and even through her health problems, she continued to attend Bible study, Sunday school, and worship service.

Rita could often be found sitting in her favorite recliner by the window with her Sunday lessons in her hands. She enjoyed working in her yard before her health began to fail, taking pride in her beautifully manicured lawn and flower beds.

Rita was preceded in death by her daughter, Vanessa Johnson and sisters, Thedosia Downing, Evoria O’Neal, and Theresa Downing.

Rita leaves precious memories to: her children, Michael Downing (Amy) of Princess Anne, MD, Eric Downing of Atlanta, GA, Andrea Marshall of Withams, VA, and Tina Dorn of New Church, VA; nine grandchildren, La’Kesha Downing, Octavia Dorn, Kamesha Downing, Michael Joynes, Okenya Samuel, Keandra Downing, Cleveland Johnson, Jr., Katerra Marshall, and Erica Downing; two great-grandsons whom she helped raise, Ja’Kyle Dorn and Khalis Dorn; twenty-one great-grandchildren; one sister, Lula (Felton) Floyd of Melfa, VA; one aunt, Josephine Solon; very special friends and employer, whom she loved with all her heart, Mary and Kenny Burton of FL, David and Susie Cole of Chincoteague, VA; special daughters, Leah Burton and Candace Mark; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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