Lou Baker Downing

Lou Downing, of Petersburg, Virginia left us suddenly and far too early on November 20, 2018. She was born on January 9, 1954 to Moses and Annie Baker who preceded her in death along with a sister, Cathy Jo Baker. Lou is survived by Bob Downing, her husband, the love of her life and her best friend for 34 years. She is also survived by sisters, Linda Daughtridge (CB), Patsy Vickers (Jimmy), of Rocky Mount, NC, and Nikki Nusbaum of Littleton, NC. She leaves behind her “fur bag,” Oreo. She had an impact on many lives, and leaves some wonderful memories with her best friend, Joyce Budd. Lou is also survived by (Baker family) nieces and nephews, Brandon Vickers and his daughter, Chloe; Greg Davenport (Lorna) and their children, Rafe and Ean; Jay Strickland (April) and their children Kayli, Courtney, and Julie; Lisa Mrykalo (Jeff); Amy Vickers; Andrea Nusbaum Dixon (Banks) and their children Miles and Zella, and Zachary Nusbaum (Kendra) and their children, Isadora and Luana; (Downing family): father in law, Don Downing; sister-in-law, Kathy Oley (Joe) and their children and grandchildren: Cynthia Callahan (Thomas), Stephanie Lang (Kevin), Rebecca Allen (Noah), Cora, Shauna, and Saoirse; brother in law, Bill Downing and his daughter, Sarah; brother in law Jim Downing (Kim) and their children and grandchildren, Kristin Downing, Jamie Hall (T.J), Billie Soley (Stu), Mason, Piper, Remington, Colt, and Keegan; brother in law Dan Downing and his children and grandchildren, Martin, Sabrina Brown (Tyler), Aubrey, and Hudson; brother in law, Ronnie Downing (Sandy), and their children, Mitchell, Cassie, Qing Swuang, and Quinn; brother in law, Jerry Downing (Charlene) and their children, Jacquelyn VanBuskirk (Derek), Tim Downing (Brandi), Amanda Osborne (Andrew) and Chris. Lou graduated from West Edgecombe High School and from East Carolina University with a degree in Education. She taught school for 34 years at Harrison Elementary in Prince George County, VA. She was loved by her students and her fellow teachers. She never forgot what it was like to be a child and was able to teach her students with love, laughter, creativity, fun, compassion and wisdom. Lou often heard from her students after they reached adulthood. Although she retired in 2012, she continued to be a substitute teacher until the time of her death. Lou had a very unique personality and spread her one-of-a-kind laughter mixed with wisdom and feistiness to all she met. She had a way of making everyone she met feel special. Her quick wit and playful manner were famous among those who knew her. She could also put you in your place in a “quick minute.” Her great smile was a welcome sight and her friends knew that being in the same room with her always made everyone feel better. We all need a Lou in our lives and her family, her friends, and her school family, are all better people for having known her. Her light will now shine in heaven and forever in our memories. A celebration of Lous life will be held at Johnsons Funeral home in Rocky Mount, NC on December 8, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions for the purchase of library books in her honor may be made to David A. Harrison Elementary School, 12900 E Quaker Rd, Disputanta, VA 23842. Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com. Service Location Not Available Saturday 12/8, 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm