JOAN DOWNES, 76, of LONG BRANCH, died Sunday, July 13, 2008, at the Monmouth Convalsecent Center, Long Branch. She had a career in office management and sales until retiring in 1980. Mrs. Downes was a member of the First Baptist Church of Asbury Park and its Ladies Missionary Society. She taught Sunday School and was active with the church's youth group. She was a member of the Cross & Crown of Monmouth County, the First Saturday Group at the Lumley Homes, Asbury Park, and the Seaview Tower Bible Study Group. Born in Bronx, N. Y., she had lived in Jersey City and then in the shore area for more than 47 years. Surviving are her sons, Leon of Parsippany, and Hal of Fairlawn, NJ, three granddaughters, Tess, Becky and Amanda and two half brothers, Samuel Henry Divak and David Divak. A funeral service was held at the First Baptist Church, Third & Grand Avenues, Asbury Park on Thursday, July 17th at 11:00 AM, with burial following at the Hamilton Cemetery, Neptune. There were no calling hours.