Annie Lou Downey

Annie Lou Dumas Downey, age 93, of Grove Hill, died December 15, 2023, at her residence after a brief illness. She was born to George Washington and Lillie Verrilla Paul Dumas on August 23, 1930, in Grove Hill, AL. She was a graduate of Clarke County High School. She married Wilbur Downey shortly after graduation and became a homemaker. She was well known for her many artistic and creative talents. She was a seamstress, quilt maker, clothing designer, doll maker, ceramics artist, florist, painter, puzzle solver, and business owner. A longtime member of Tompkins Baptist Church, she served on various committees. For many years, she volunteered her time in the kitchen at Vacation Bible School, preparing and serving snacks to countless children. Having made her first quilt at age seven, she enjoyed quilting and her many other crafts even into her nineties. She loved spending time with her family. She loved having her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren stop by just to visit.

She was preceded in death by her mother, her father, her four brothers and two sisters, and her husband of 65 years Wilbur G. Downey.

She is survived by her daughters Peggy (Don) Wright and Dianne Day, both of Grove Hill; six grandchildren: Heather Wright of Tuscaloosa, Candice (Matt) Rouse of Warrior, Patrick (Julie) Wright of Grove Hill, Danielle Day of Pensacola, Leanne Wright of Grove Hill, and Joseph Day of Grove Hill; seven great-grandchildren: Megan Baggett, Tyler Baggett, Ashley Rouse, Camilla Rouse, Victoria Rouse, Meredith Wright, and Elizabeth Wright.

Active pallbearers were Patrick Wright, Joseph Day, Tyler Baggett, Matt Rouse, Randy Hare, and Wesley Hicks. Honorary pallbearers were the Open Sunday School Class of Tompkins Baptist Church, Monty Smith, Ward Edge, and faithful caregivers Teresa Coates, Cynthia Pritchett, Bessie Savage, Kami Todd, Leila Jones, Betty Ann Kidd, Natasha Meggs, and Eddie Mae Cunningham.

Visitation is on Monday December 18, 2023, from 10 until 11 am at Tompkins Baptist Church, with the service immediately following. Dr. Johnny Kendrick officiating. Burial will be at Tompkins Baptist Church Cemetery. Lathan Funeral Home directing.

Online condolences may be shared at www.lathanfuneralhome.com