Sheila H. Downing

Mrs. Sheila H. Downing, age 71, of Smithville, TN, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2022.  She was born February 24, 1951, in Atlanta, GA.  She was a daughter of the late Laurens A. Hamilton, Jr. and Evelyn Anderson Hamilton.  She was a charter member of Parkway Baptist Church in Smyrna, TN. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Laurens Hamilton, III.

Mrs. Downing was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She enjoyed spending time in nature and truly loved her church and the children that she kept.

Sheila was an animal lover her whole life, growing up around horses while visiting her beloved grandparent’s farm.  She enjoyed a special relationship with her adored dogs, Sammie and Dusti Rose, both bringing her such love and companionship.  To honor Sheila and her love of animals, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Sheila’s cousin’s animal sanctuary in Pikeville, TN at www.maringaanimalsanctuary.com

Mrs. Sheila is survived by her husband of 43 years, Frank “Larry” Downing, Jr. of Smithville, TN; children, Jennifer Downing (Donnie) Ellis of Cataula, GA, Carrie Downing (Jayson) Bean of Murfreesboro, TN, Randy (Tricia) Downing of Murfreesboro, TN; 12 grandchildren, Skyler Ellis, Wesley Hewell, Logan Bean, Evan Bean, Kaden Ellis, Zachary Hewell, Aiden Downing, Kaleb Ellis, Matthew Hewell, Allison Hewell, Abbie Bean, Kellan Downing; 2 great grandchildren, Alex Ellis, Oliver Hewell; sister, Carol (Jim) Crawford of Cedartown, GA; sisters-in-law, Nancy Wiley of Covington, GA, Teresa Bodine of Murrayville, GA, Carmen Minyard of Smithville, TN; brother-in-law, Mark Downing of Gainesville, GA.

Visitation with the family will be on Monday, March 14, 2022 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Lawrence Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 1 PM from the Chapel of Lawrence Funeral Home with Pastor Steven Moore officiating.  Interment will follow in the Medium Cemetery near Petersburg, TN.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to give special acknowledgement of appreciation and gratitude to Nanci Dunton and Deb Benton, who have always been considered family!