Mary Carol Downing, 77, of Memphis, died Friday, September 27, 2019 at her home with family and friends.
She was born the daughter of W. Harold and Violet Irene (Asher) Murphy on October 11, 1941 in Kirksville. Phillip Pinkerton was Mary’s stepfather in her early teens. The family included Mary, her brother, Gary Murphy, stepsisters, Linda and Ellen, and stepbrother, Ronie.
Mary was educated in the Kirksville schools.
She received salvation with Jesus as her savior, accepting God as her savior during her childhood. She was baptized at the Southside Baptist Church by Pastor Cyrus Davis in the Chariton River west of Kirksville. Mary always liked Genesis chapter 1, “In the beginning God created the Heaven and the Earth with life.”
She was married to Charles “Chick” Downing on August 8, 1970 at Bible Grove by Terry Hunt. Chick and Mary, along with Jerry and Tammy, resided in Memphis for 49 years of marriage with God’s help. Mary was a textile factory worker in Mississippi, Kirksville and Memphis as well as a nurse’s helper and waitress. She was one of the best wives.
Mary enjoyed her family, reunions, camping, fishing, vacation and just spending time together, especially going to church with her brother and sister. She enjoyed her brother Gene, and his son Dave, bringing God’s message on Sunday. Mary enjoyed going to the Bonaparte restaurant and having the house special drink and shrimp. Conway Twitty was her favorite singer. She like to play cards with Roger and Noralyn Armstrong and their children.
Mary had a hand in raising her grandchildren, and cherished the time just getting to be with her grandchildren and great grandchildren that she loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step father; brothers David Pinkerton and Gary Murphy; a sister, Roberta (Pinkerton) Morris; a son, Jerry Chuites.
She is survived by her husband, Chick, of the home; daughter, Tammy Jones, of Memphis; brother: Gene (Helen) Pinkerton of Kirksville; sister: Lenore (Larry) Rogers of Kirksville; sisters-in-law: Connie Halford of Greentop, Sharon Frederick of Memphis and Shirley Murphy of Kirksville; a brother-in-law, Charles Morris of Kirksville; grandchildren: Jerry (Stacy) Chuites of Cedar Rapids, Violet Chuites of Lancaster, Tabitha Chuites of Glenwood, Eugene Chuites of Moberly, Dylan Jones of Kahoka and Amber (Jason) Blake of Kirksville; 12 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
God does bless every day of our life. May the peace of God be with you.
6 comments
Charles, So sorry to hear that Mary passed away. I hope to see you Wednesday! Lucille
Chick, sending our deepest and most sincere sympathy to you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will be keeping in touch.
Bryan & Sheri
Chick, so sorry for your having lost Mary. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jerry and Janice Grosenkemper
Sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. Prayers for comfort at this difficult time,Chick,
sending our condolences.
So sorry to hear that Mary has passed away. Wishing God’s peace and comfort to you and the family.
Chick – sending deepest sympathy on Mary’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family. Alan and Brenda Trask
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