Laura Belle Willie Downey

Laura Belle Willie Downey, 86, died August 30, 2013, in Amarillo, Texas.At Mrs. Downey's request, her body was donated to Texas Tech Medical School,Lubbock. Memorial services will be at 2 PM Saturday, September 7, at First Baptist Church in White Deer, with Charles Brown, II, her grandson, and Rev. Alan Wilson, pastor of First Baptist Church of White Deer, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.Laura Downey was born December 24, 1926, near Moriarty, NM. She was one of 14 children. She graduated from high school and worked for Navajo Freight Lines in Albuquerque, NM, until one of the truck drivers caught her eye. On June 21, 1948 she married David Downey in Amarillo, TX. The couple farmed in Deaf Smith County from 1951 to 1973, then relocated to White Deer, TX, where they continued farming until 1996. They were members of the First Baptist Church in White Deer. Mrs. Downey was bookkeeper for Downey Farm Supply and drove a school bus for White Deer Independent School District. She enjoyed and loved the students as she did her children and grandchildren. Her pastimes included gardening, painting, needlework, and reading. She was humble, patiently understanding, deeply grateful, and reluctant to trouble others. Her sparkling eyes, sweet smile, positive responses, peaceful acceptance, and bantering humor encouraged her family members and friends to share concerns and successes. This gentle and kind woman had great strength and faith in those she knew and in her God. The Scripture she chose for her memorial service reminds us to thank God for everything. (1 Thess 5:18).Mrs. Downey was preceded in death by her husband in 2006, son Joel Downey with his wife Ruth and son Paul in 1974, 4 brothers and 4 sisters.Survivors include a son, Dennis Downey and wife Martha Kate of Euless, 3 daughters, Karen Houchin and husband Eddy of Crosby County, Virginia Artho and husband Eddie of Wichita Falls, and Cindy Brown and husband Steve of White Deer? 3 sisters, Luella Willie of Albuquerque, NM, Bernice Maloch ofLivermore, CA, and Betty Martin of Eugene, OR, 2 brothers, Robert and Billy Willie of Eugene, OR, 8 grandsons, David Downey, Jeremy, Jared and Matthew Artho, Erin and Daniel Houchin, Charles and Cale Brown, 2 granddaughters, Sarah Artho and Kate Downey, 15 great grandchildren, Anna Downey, Abigail and Elijah Houchin, Gideon and Graham Artho, Haley and Mason Artho, Reiter, Amber, Leah, Ella, Emma and Owen Artho, and Saylor and Abel Brown.Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Southwest, 6600 Kilgore DR, Ste. 110, Amarillo, TX 79106 or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 337, White Deer, TX 79097