Barbara Ellen Downing

Barbara Ellen "Barb" Downing died in the early morning hours of Monday, December 8, 2008 at her home in White Mountain Lakes following a lengthy illness. She was 57 years old. Barb was born on July 22, 1951 in Quincy, Illinois to Lawrence and the late Maxine (Mixer) Sparrow. As a child, her family moved several times. When she was 17 she met, and later married, Jon Gene Downing on September 27, 1968. They raised 3 beautiful children: Brenda, Jon and Joey. In 1971, the family moved to the Phoenix area, where Barb helped run the family business, Jon Downing Masonry. They moved to White Mountain Lakes in 2001. Barb had a tremendous voice and her passion was singing Gospel Music and together, with her sister formed the singing group, "The Faith Sisters." They were able to perform all across the country and spread the word of God. She also worked several years at the Wal-Mart in Show Low. Barb is survived by her husband, Jon Downing of White Mountain Lakes, AZ; 1 daughter, Brenda Brittain of Litchfield Park, AZ; 2 sons: Jon Michael Downing (Kaycee) of Prescott Valley, AZ, Joseph Wesley "Joey" Downing (Karen) of Show Low, AZ; 4 brothers: Larry Sparrow (Sheila) of Plato, MO, Lyle Sparrow (Geri) of Killeen, TX, Lindell Sparrow (Linda) of Anderson, CA, Leo Sparrow of Phoenix, AZ; 1 sister, Mary Jane Wagner (Louis) of Casa Grande, AZ; father, Lawrence Sparrow of Queen Creek, AZ; 7 grandchildren: Ian, Emma, Nicole, Brandon, Josh, Ethan and Tessa. Her mother, Maxine, preceded her in death in the year 2000. A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 AM Monday, December 15, 2008 at the White Mountain Lakes Community Baptist Church, White Mountain Lakes, Arizona.