DOWNING, Barbara Ellen (Barb)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ December 12, 2008 Barbara Ellen "Barb" Downing, 57, died in the early morning hours Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, at her home in White Mountain Lake following a lengthy illness. Barb was born July 22, 1951, in Quincy, Ill., 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 Sept. 27, 1968. They raised three 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 Lake 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 Lake; daughter Brenda Brittain of Litchfield Park; two sons, Jon Michael (Kaycee) Downing of Prescott Valley and Joseph Wesley "Joey" (Karen) Downing of Show Low; four brothers, Larry (Sheila) Sparrow of Plato, Mo., Lyle (Geri) Sparrow of Killeen, Texas and Lindell (Lind) Sparrow of Anderson, Calif., and Leo Sparrow of Phoenix; sister Mary Jane (Louis) Wagner of Casa Grande; father Lawrence Sparrow of Queen Creek; seven grandchildren, Ian, Emma, Nicole, Brandon, Josh, Ethan and Tessa. Her mother Maxine preceded her in death in 2000. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at the White Mountain Lake Community Baptist Church. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.