Clarice Stuart Downing, 87, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Friday, December 17, 2004, at Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald.
A gracious Southern lady, she aspired in herself and others a pursuit of excellence. Born in the mountains of North Georgia in Fairmount on July 14, 1917, Mrs. Downing was the youngest child of the late John Henry Stuart and Mary Elizabeth Roberts Stuart. Since the age of two, she made her home in Fitzgerald. Mrs. Downing was a homemaker, and active through the decades with her late husband, Lowell M. Downing, in various enterprises including Lowell Packing Company and the Livestock Barn. A devoted Christian, she gave a lifetime of service to Arbor Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, serving as Sunday School Teacher, Training Union Teacher and in other church ministries. Mrs. Downing was the founder of the first PTA in Fitzgerald at the Fourth Ward School in 1948.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Downing is survived by two sons: Lowell Morris Downing, Jr. and his wife, Bonnie, of Fitzgerald and Donald Stuart Downing and his wife, Christi, of Atlanta. She is also survived by four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Sunday, December 19, 2004, at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bobby Rodgers and Rev. Kelly Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials in lieu of flowers may send them to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 387, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to Arbor Baptist Church, 1137 Merrimac Dr. Ext., Fitzgerald, GA 31750.