Extracted from The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, MS)
Saturday, December 16, 2006

Loraine Mama Downs

Clinton

Loraine B. Downs 88, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2006 at her home in Clinton surrounded by her family. Services are 2 p.m. today in the chapel at Lakewood Funeral Home on Clinton Blvd. Visitation is from 12-2 p.m. Burial is in Cedar Lawn Cemetery.

Loraine was born on July 9, 1918 in Wilkerson County to the late Walter and Lelia McDowell Beattie. She was married for 63 years to S.J. Jimmy Downs until his death in 2000. She was a resident of Jackson from 1951 until she and Jimmy made Clinton their home in 1989. She was a longtime member of West Jackson Baptist Church.

Loraine, better known as Mama lived and loved life to the fullest. She never met a stranger and always greeted people with a warm smile and a cheerful heart. She spent everyday at her daughter's store, The Butterchurn, where she made many dear friends. She had the special gift of giving and never expected anything in return. Her generosity earned her the respect and love of all that knew her. She will be greatly missed by the many friends that she met at the Butterchurn and grew to know and love over the years.

Loraine loved antiquing but more than that, Loraine was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was happiest when she was spending time with her many grandchildren and great grands.

Preceding her in death is her parents, husband, S.J. Jimmy Downs, her twin sons Howard and Harold Downs and grandson, Joey Downs.

Survivors include her two daughters: Peggy Lowther and her husband David of Clinton and Theresa Moore and her husband Neal of Jackson. She is also survived by her grandchildren Angie Gelston of Benton, Tammy Cargile of Brandon, Yvonne Goff of Clinton, Johnny Downs of Shreveport, La., Debbie LeJeune of Turner, Ore., Stephany Griebler of Brandon, thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of extended family.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.

Friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.lakewoodfuneralhomes.com.