In Memory Of
Gloria Juanita Downing
1940
2013
Gloria Juanita Downing
January 13, 1940 — August 11, 2013
The Life of Gloria Juanita Downing is going to be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, August 16, 2013 at Newcomer Funeral Home.
Born January 13, 1940 to Willie and Mamie (Williams) Mathis in Starke, FL, mom spent her time living life to the full. On August 11, 2013 in Savannah, GA, mom, surrounded by her children took her final breathe and peacefully and comfortably fell asleep in death.
Mom's early years in FL were spent with her parents and brothers, Willie Joe and Joseph. She would receive her primary and secondary education in the Starke and Lakeland areas before moving to WY to complete the nursing program offered through Casper College. While in WY, mom would meet the love of her life, our father, the Kansas Kid also known as Purdle or Ken Downing Sr. Married on November 6, 1960, their loving relationship flourished for 24 fantastic years.
For 73 incredible years, our mother would touch the lives of so many family members, friends and colleagues she would encounter in day-to-day activities, her working career as a nurse, geo-physical technician and educational volunteer. She proved to be a terrific host contributing her time to run concessions stand for football, basketball, baseball, and track events.
However, despite these marvelous opportunities, mom's real passion for life would take place in the final years of her life, as a volunteer for the Natrona County School District #1, working in a variety of school settings. The love she had for assisting those little people, in the classroom, brought her tremendous joy and happiness. It is so ironic that while fighting for her life, she was consumed with getting home to be there the first day of class and to welcome her group of students.
In a special tribute to our mother, Gloria Juanita Downing, we would like to request that those in attendance sport her favorite color: Red or wear your school colors, whatever they may be.
Mom was preceded in death by our father, Ken Downing Sr.; her parents: Willie and Mamie Mathis and her brother, Joseph Mathis.
She is survived by her daughters: Karla Jump (Michael) and Linda Williams (Charles); her sons: Kerry Downing Sr. (Tarangula), Kurt Downing Sr. (Ashley), and Kenny Downing Jr. (Claire); her sister: Karen Mathis; her brother: Willie Joe Mathis Sr.; in addition to her aunts, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and cousins.
Appreciating her love for education, in lieu of flowers, please donate school supplies to "Stuff the Bus".
Prior to the memorial service, a family visitation will be hosted on Thursday, August 15, 2013 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home.
To share a memory of Gloria or to leave a special message of condolence for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
Born January 13, 1940 to Willie and Mamie (Williams) Mathis in Starke, FL, mom spent her time living life to the full. On August 11, 2013 in Savannah, GA, mom, surrounded by her children took her final breathe and peacefully and comfortably fell asleep in death.
Mom's early years in FL were spent with her parents and brothers, Willie Joe and Joseph. She would receive her primary and secondary education in the Starke and Lakeland areas before moving to WY to complete the nursing program offered through Casper College. While in WY, mom would meet the love of her life, our father, the Kansas Kid also known as Purdle or Ken Downing Sr. Married on November 6, 1960, their loving relationship flourished for 24 fantastic years.
For 73 incredible years, our mother would touch the lives of so many family members, friends and colleagues she would encounter in day-to-day activities, her working career as a nurse, geo-physical technician and educational volunteer. She proved to be a terrific host contributing her time to run concessions stand for football, basketball, baseball, and track events.
However, despite these marvelous opportunities, mom's real passion for life would take place in the final years of her life, as a volunteer for the Natrona County School District #1, working in a variety of school settings. The love she had for assisting those little people, in the classroom, brought her tremendous joy and happiness. It is so ironic that while fighting for her life, she was consumed with getting home to be there the first day of class and to welcome her group of students.
In a special tribute to our mother, Gloria Juanita Downing, we would like to request that those in attendance sport her favorite color: Red or wear your school colors, whatever they may be.
Mom was preceded in death by our father, Ken Downing Sr.; her parents: Willie and Mamie Mathis and her brother, Joseph Mathis.
She is survived by her daughters: Karla Jump (Michael) and Linda Williams (Charles); her sons: Kerry Downing Sr. (Tarangula), Kurt Downing Sr. (Ashley), and Kenny Downing Jr. (Claire); her sister: Karen Mathis; her brother: Willie Joe Mathis Sr.; in addition to her aunts, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and cousins.
Appreciating her love for education, in lieu of flowers, please donate school supplies to "Stuff the Bus".
Prior to the memorial service, a family visitation will be hosted on Thursday, August 15, 2013 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home.
To share a memory of Gloria or to leave a special message of condolence for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gloria Juanita Downing, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, August 15, 2013
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Mountain time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
Service
Friday, August 16, 2013
Starts at 11:00 am (Mountain time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
Guestbook
Visits: 4
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