DeAndre Lamar "Ionnie" Ridley

DeAndre Lamar Ridley, affectionately known as “Ionnie,” was born on April 7, 1988 in Nassawadox, Virginia to Tammy Ridley Conquest and the late Preston L. Downing. He departed this life on January 12, 2021 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury, Maryland.

DeAndre was educated in the Accomack County Public Schools and was a 2007 graduate of Arcadia High School. After high school, he joined the workforce, becoming an Assistant Manager at McDonald’s and Family Dollar. His last place of employment was at the LaQuinta Inn in Salisbury, Maryland. He was the Assistant Manager until his health began to fail.

“Ionnie” was a person of few words, but when he “loosened up”, he was a ball of energy. He would always be the life of the party anywhere he went. “Ionnie” enjoyed traveling and spending time with his friends. Whenever they went out, he was sure to order his chicken wings and French fries, no matter where they went. “Ionnie’s” priority was his family, especially his nieces, whom he called his princesses.

DeAndre was preceded in death by his father, Preston L. Downing and his grandparents, Isiah Ridley, II, Preston Downing, Edna Downing, and Ermon Conquest, Sr.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his parents, Ermon and Tammy Conquest; sister, DeAnna Ridley Harris; two nieces, Ja’Niya Harris and Da’Lanie Harris; grandmothers, Grace Ridley and Leaner Conquest; aunts, Priscilla Tyler, Mary Ridley-Tucker, Karen Schoolfield, Annette (Clarence) Grey, Christine (Anderson) Blake, Geraldine (Calvin) Ficklin, Shirley (Alonzo) Godwin, and Janet Powell; uncles, Isaiah Ridley, III, Michael Ridley, Theo (Sarah) Downing, and Terry (Joanne) Hayward; and a host of other relatives and friends.