Otis Mitchell Downey, 76, of Centralia, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at his home. He was born on December 29, 1948, in Centralia, the son of Tosko Myers and Annis (Edwards) Downey. He married Doris Jean Burris Giboney on August 9, 1991, in Paducah, KY. She preceded him in death on January 13, 2015. Otis found love again when he married Carol Disroe Kamara on September 2, 2018. She survives him in Centralia, IL.
Survivors that will mourn Otis’ passing include his wife, Carol Downey; his children, Carol Young (Richard) of Corona, CA, Jill Williams (Guy) of Centralia, IL, Teresa White of Atlanta, Felix Giboney of Memphis, TN, and Keith Giboney (Jacqueline) of Memphis, TN, Kyle Petties (Kelli) of Fountain, CO, Ericka Chenevert (James) of Fountain, CO; 20 precious grandchildren; 19 cherished great-grandchildren; sister, Lauana Simmons of Alton, Il; special friend and brother-in-Christ, Glen Jackson; sister-in-law, LaDonna of Killeen, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Mr. Downey was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Downey; parents; daughter, Jamia Monteiro; son, Joseph Giboney; sister, Nancy Campbell; brothers, LaVern Curry, Lionel Downey, Charles Downey, and Corneilius Downey; special uncle, George Adams; and paternal grandmother, Lizzy Hinchey.
Mr. Downey served his country with honor and pride in the United States Air Force during Vietnam. A lifelong resident of Centralia, Otis was highly unwavering in his community. He served as trustee of the board for Murray Center credit union and was the precinct #10 committeeman for Marion County. Otis was proud to be a founding member of Men United, formerly known as Black Men United.
Otis was a faithful member of New Bethel Baptist Church, where he served the LORD and His people diligently. He was a loyal employee of Vandalia Correctional Center and Warren G. Murray Center in Centralia. Combined, he worked for the State of Illinois for almost forty years before his much-deserved retirement. Otis was so good at keeping in touch with family and friends, even on the phone he liked to razz them. He was friendly and kind. He never met a stranger, and he would lend a hand to anyone in need. Otis was a pillar of his community, helping others at the food bank and offering a warm hello to everyone who came.
His hobbies included dancing to some good music, hosting meals for family and friends, serving his famous fried fish, gumbo, and green beans. Otis enjoyed vegetable gardening and beautifying his home with the fresh flowers he grew. During his working years and in retirement, he helped others with their lawn care for his business D & O. Otis was a self-proclaimed world’s top fan of his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. He will be remembered for being a sharp dresser and loved receiving compliments on his attire.
Otis was a great mentor and supporter for his family, and everyone loved their “Pops”, “Pop-O”, and “Uncle Boogy”. Otis will be remembered for his generosity, his story telling abilities, his hard work ethic, his support for his community, and especially his love for his family. He will be deeply missed and his memory will be forever cherished.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Centralia with Rev. Ronald Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia, where military rites will be accorded by the Centralia VFW Post 2055 and the American Legion Post 446 to honor Otis’ commitment to the United States Air Force. Friends and family are invited to a visitation time from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia, the evening prior to services on Friday, November 28, 2025. A visiting time will also be held from 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the New Bethel Baptist Church, until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Otis’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and will be accepted for his family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Otis may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
