Doris E. Downes, 75, of Delmar, died Friday, May 2, 2008 at her home in Delmar, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 11, 1932 in Laurel, a daughter of the late Norman and Margie Jane (Wilkerson) Wingate. Doris graduated from Laurel High School in the Class of 1950 and was an active member of the Laurel Alumni Association. She worked as a bookkeeper for Perdue and in production for General Foods before handling the bookkeeping duties for Downes Burner Service, owned and operated by her late husband, Alvin Downes, Sr. She attended Messiah's Vineyard Church in Laurel. She loved Nascar and was a faithful fan of Jeff Gordon and enjoyed crossword puzzles. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by 6 sons, Douglas Downes and his wife Cathy of Laurel, Alan Downes and his wife Barbara of Delmar, Kipp Downes and his wife Michelle of Delmar, Alvin Downes, Jr. and his wife Brenda of Laurel, Gerry Downes and his wife Patti of Laurel and Darrell Downes of Charlestown, WV; a sister, Naomi Lare of Delmar; 2 brothers, Leon Wingate and his wife Fran of Millsboro and Vernon Wingate, Sr. of Laurel; 9 grandchildren, Doug Downes, Heather Downes, Danielle Briggs, Tonya Lindstadt, Jennifer Downes, Wayne Downes, Michael Downes, Jason Downes and Darrell Downes, Jr. and several great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Alvin E. Downes, Sr., who passed October 22, 2004. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street, Delmar, where family and friends may call from 1:00 to 2:00. Bob Boyce, Lay Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Stephen's Cemetery in Delmar. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.