Irene Downing

Irene Downing, 83, of Delaney was born April 29, 1931 in Delaney as Frusie Irene Combs, passed away peacefully in the family home of her grandchildren, David and Rebecca Smith in Clarksville, Tenn. on January 26, 2015. Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Harold L. Downing; her mother, Mamie Wood; her father, Frank Combs; one brother, Paul; and two sisters, Sue and Helen. Irene was deeply rooted with a spiritual determination and dedication as a devoted mother, grandmother and homemaker. She was a 4-H leader for 30 years helping to develop young minds and teaching the children to become active members within the community. Irene was also an employee of the Elkins School System for 23 years as the supervisor of the cafeteria program. During that time she prepared extraordinary homestyle meals out of ordinary lunch room fare. Irene has also been a member of the Sulphur City Baptist Church since 1967. Her heart, home and arms were always open for friend or stranger in any walk of life. Irene is survived by one brother, Lonnie Combs of Westville, Okla.; five children Larry Downing; Connie Langley; Doyle Downing; Cindy Downing Farmer; and Timothy Downing; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of others to which she was a mother figure. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the Sulphur City Baptist Church in Fayetteville with Pastor Dallas Auslam officiating. Irene will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Crosses under the direction of Beard's Funeral Chapel. There is no scheduled visitation. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.