Celebrating the life of
Norma Lynne Downing
December 11, 1943 - January 25, 2011
Norma Lynne Downing
Norma Lynne Downing, age 67, died on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 after a long illness. Lynne was a proud native Savannahian who grew up in the Catholic Church and graduated from St. Vincent's Academy. She went on to graduate from x-ray school through Memorial Hospital.
While in high school she was lauded as one of Savannah's best female athletes in basketball. As a young adult she played softball on state championship teams for her home community, including St. Joseph's team, and was the only pitcher to hold queen in her court to two runs.
Lynne worked at Memorial University Medical Center and retired after more then thirty years as a respected radiation therapist in oncology. She was a compassionate person and assisted many individuals transition through their terminal illness. Her experience working in oncology helped in her own transition and she made this final journey with dignity and grace, making it an honor for all who walked that path with her.
Lynne is predeceased by her father, Dennis T. Downing, Jr.; uncle and softball coach Harry Deal; aunt Elizabeth Stafford; aunt Theresa Agnes Petit; and her life-long partner of 27 years, Jane Bydick. She is survived by her mother, Norma Downing; sister Sharyn Lysaught Oville; brother Paul Dennis Downing, Sr. Janie; nephews Jeff Lysaught and P. Dennis Downing, Jr.; nieces Lynne Behnke and Molly Purvines; several great nephews and nieces; and Godson James Matt Snell. Lynne could go anywhere and not know a soul, but always left with a new friend. She leaves her closest friends Marie Sessions, Grace Knight, Mary Burdsal, Debbie Bennett, and Lois Bennett. Lynne had a special and tender heart when it came to animals and will be missed by her favorite cat, Miki.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 27, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.
Graveside funeral services will be held January 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Bonaventure Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Fred Rushing, Van Purvines, Kevin Behnke, Dennis Downing, Craig Dinerman and Jeff Lysaught.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Savannah, St. Vincent's Academy, or to the Humane Society.
Dear Mrs. Downing, I just returned to town and heard about Lynne. I'm so sorry for your loss. Lynne and I played basketball against one another when I played for Cathedral Day School. I thought she was so good at basketball because she was related to my coach! We played together at Saint Vincent's and I came to know Lynne as a classmate and friend. She was a kind and caring person and much better at basketball than I was! I know this is a great loss for her family and friends and you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Johnson Davis
- Linda Davis, Port Wentworth, GA
I remember Lynne well from our days at SVA. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
- Margaret Kavanaugh, Decatur, GA
I graduated with Lynne from Sacred Heart and St. Vincent's. Mrs. Downing, you and your family and Lynne's partner are all in my prayers. It sounds like Lynne made truly valuable contributions in her work and, I'm sure, in her personal life. I am very sorry for your loss.
- Mary McKenzie, Charleston, SC
Paul, I am so very sorry to hear about your sister passing. I know from what you told me she fought a long had fight againist this disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Debra Cole
- Debra Cole, Midway, GA
With prayers and good memories of our Class of 1961 at SVA. Linden McCarthy Lynn
- Linden McCarthy Lynn, Alexandria, VA
Norma,Sharyn and Paul, Please know that you have our deepest sympathy on the passing of Lynne.She fought long and hard and is now at peace and pain free.You will all be in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
I graduated with Lynne from SVA. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to your entire family. Carole
- Carole Cetti Koback, Brookfield, WI
Dear Mrs. Downing, I just returned to town and heard about Lynne. I'm so sorry for your loss. Lynne and I played basketball against one another when I played for Cathedral Day School. I thought she was so good at basketball because she was related to my coach! We played together at Saint Vincent's and I came to know Lynne as a classmate and friend. She was a kind and caring person and much better at basketball than I was! I know this is a great loss for her family and friends and you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Johnson Davis
- Linda Davis, Port Wentworth, GA
I remember Lynne well from our days at SVA. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
- Margaret Kavanaugh, Decatur, GA
I graduated with Lynne from Sacred Heart and St. Vincent's. Mrs. Downing, you and your family and Lynne's partner are all in my prayers. It sounds like Lynne made truly valuable contributions in her work and, I'm sure, in her personal life. I am very sorry for your loss.
- Mary McKenzie, Charleston, SC
Paul, I am so very sorry to hear about your sister passing. I know from what you told me she fought a long had fight againist this disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Debra Cole
- Debra Cole, Midway, GA
With prayers and good memories of our Class of 1961 at SVA. Linden McCarthy Lynn
- Linden McCarthy Lynn, Alexandria, VA
Norma,Sharyn and Paul, Please know that you have our deepest sympathy on the passing of Lynne.She fought long and hard and is now at peace and pain free.You will all be in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
I graduated with Lynne from SVA. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to your entire family. Carole
- Carole Cetti Koback, Brookfield, WI
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
