Grace Louise Downes Armiger

Grace Louise Downes Armiger passed away peacefully at Paradise Senior Living on August 28, 2025.

She was born August 10, 1931, the seventh child to Horace James Downes and Alice Lee Smith Downes.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Junior Edwin Armiger, her sisters Beatrice Ellen, Doris Evangline, and brothers Emory William Benjamin, Lester James, Virgil Lee, and Robert Washington Downes.

She is survived by her children Gaye (Jim), Jay (Judy), Jed (Lynne), Jared (Justina) along with her brothers Roland Oliver (Eleanor) Downs and sisters-in-law Fay Downes, Amy Hayman (Eldridge), and Rachel Horseman (Bill). She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Genae Atkins, Jessica Schroeder, Justin Martin, Jason Armiger, Jillian Armiger, Miranda Coughlin, Dylan Armiger, and 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

A graduate from Laurel High school, she worked for Delmarva Power in Laurel, Delaware, for 10 years. Then, she and her husband Junior established and grew their own family business, Armiger’s Auto Center, Inc., which is operated by their sons today. They also created Armiger’s Homes, Inc., a construction and property development company. Through their entrepreneurial endeavors, they met many wonderful friends and business associates. 

Avid boaters and travelers, Grace and Junior cruised up and down the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida in their boat named “Graysea,” and they traveled across the country in their motorhome.

She was also proud to have been a charter member of the Nanticoke River Yacht Club, a member of the Seaford Senior Center, and a member of Saint John’s Church in Seaford, Delaware. 

Grace was a loving wife and mother to her husband and children, and she was gracious to anyone she encountered. One of her great joys was hosting parties and picnics for family and friends, all of which are remembered fondly. Some of the best ones were held on the river, picking crabs and waterskiing. Her kindness and generosity will be missed by her family, friends, and all who have known her.

A viewing is scheduled for 11 a.m. on September 4, 2025, at Cranston Funeral Home in Seaford, Delaware. A funeral service is scheduled at 12 p.m. at the same location with interment to follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice Vitas, Talbot Hospice, or Paradise Senior Living.

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