Sharon Lee Smith Downing

Sharon Lee Smith Downing died on February 15, 2012 in Concord, NC at First Assembly Living Center. Sharon was born December 27, 1930 in Locustville, Virginia and was the daughter of Jack Smith and Laura Hinman Smith Alvord. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 62 years, Francis C Downing Sr.; her eldest son, Francis C Downing Jr.; two brothers, Jack Jr. and Tom; and two sisters, Ellen and Emmajean. Sharon is survived by four of five children, Ed and his three sons of Gainesville, VA, James and his four sons of Buford, GA, Teresa Denton and her husband, Bruce, and their two daughters of Candler, NC, Sandy McPherson and her husband, Milt, and their daughter and three sons of Clover, VA; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker at her little red house in Eastville, VA where she and Francis, known as "Teenie" by family members, lived for 47 years. She also worked as a nursing assistant for several years. She truly loved nursing and taking care of people. Sharon's reputation of being a great cook and cake baker still starts many conversations. She always had food to serve and share with anyone who needed it or came by the house. Sharon was generous beyond her means and took great joy in giving gifts and treats to the people around her. Many of the people at First Assembly Living Center became like family to her in the last seven years of her life. Several of the staff there called her mom and loved her like family and cared for her so well. Funeral services will be held at Doughty Funeral Home on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 2:00 PM. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Red Bank Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Assembly Living Center, 650 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. Concord, NC 28027. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home, Exmore, Virginia.