Judith Ann Downs, 71, of Elkins, WV, passed away on January 11, 2026, at Cortland Acres. Born on March 25, 1954, in Elkins, she was the daughter of the late Sterling J. Lee and Edna M. (Butcher) Lee.
“Judy” graduated from Elkins High School and attended both West Virginia University and Davis & Elkins College. She devoted most of her career to the hospitality industry, working for many years in Canaan Valley, where she also lived and raised her son, Jason, and daughter, Tara. Judy loved to cook, travel, dance, ride horses, and twirl a baton. Above all, she cherished time spent with her wonderful friends and loving family.
Her pure kindness, nurturing spirit, and genuine friendships touched countless lives. She will always be remembered for her contagious laughter and radiant smile.
She is survived by her children, Jason Downs and his wife Angelina, and Tara Downs and her husband Tony Marceau; grandchildren, Liam J. Malmquist, Parker L. Downs, and Jackson W. Cunningham; sibling, Jim A. Lee; niece, Cara Phillips; nephews, Christopher Chapman, Brian Lee, JJ Lee, and Travis Lee; her beloved life partner, Christopher Pyles; and her two dearest friends, Carrie Hawkins and Becky Colombo.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a niece, Cathy Chapman, and a sister, Eleanor M. Chapman. Judy’s wishes for cremation were honored, and there will be a celebration of life held at a later date.
The Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes – Davis Chapel is honored to be serving the Downs family.
