Grace Leota Cook Downing

Grace Leota Cook Downing was born on December 27, 1922 in Whittington, Illinois.  She is predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Rev. B.W. Downing, her parents Rev. C.N. and  Grace(House) Cook, twin brother, Lee Cook, sister Marjorie Saxe, brother James Cook, a grandson, Billy Wade Downing III and a great grandson, Lucas Kochendorfer.

She is survived by her 4 children; Ruth Heaberlin of Columbia, SC, Michael Downing (Debbie) of Columbia, SC, Deborah Hofferbert (Steven PhD) of Olathe, KS, and Paul Downing, DMD,FAGD(Peggy, fiancee). She has 6 grandchildren; Scott Heaberlin(Rebecca), Daniel Hofferbert(Jenny), Sheri Kochendorfer(Michael), Maren Downing, Campbell Downing, and Hollyn Downing.  She has 7 great grandchildren; Cayleigh Heaberlin, Lauren Heaberlin, Mallory Heaberlin, Zeke Kochendorfer, Stuart Hofferbert, Eli Kochendorfer, Alexandra Hofferbert, and a brother-in-law, Joe Downing(Linda).

Leota attended Oak Hill School her first eight years, walking about a mile from her family’s home to school. After her parents moved to town, she attended and graduated from Benton High School in 1940.

She attended Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN, where she met and married the love of her life, B.W. Downing.  Not only did B.W. find a beautiful bride and companion, but he found an accomplished pianist and singer to accompany him on weekends as he pastored and preached in the greater Nashville area.

Upon graduation, they moved to Kansas City, Mo for B.W. to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary.  They traveled weekends in evangelistic work as opportunities arose. The family returned to Mississippi, B.W.’s home state, after graduation, to pastor the Churches of the Nazarene in Laurel, Meridian and Jackson. Their next pastorate was in Fort Mill SC, then Evansville, Indiana and finally to Sumter, SC, where they retired, and enjoyed several years of interim pastoring AND fishing.  She loved her fishing!

Leota was always a vibrant and vital part of the ministry partnership.   Not only was she an accomplished musician, but her involvement in many other areas in each church and on the state level was significant.

In the local churches, she served wherever there was a need:  organizing, teaching a Sunday School class, leading Women’s groups, directing teen choirs and small musical groups, lending secretarial assistance, playing the piano, lending support and leadership alongside her pastor/husband.  She was a gifted hostess, whether it was welcoming parishioners in their home or entertaining church leaders, missionaries and evangelists.  Sunday dinners always included guests.  The gift of hospitality was one of her strong points. Even as a widow she continued to host and prepare monthly luncheons in her home for 15-25 women-until she was 92.  Her life exemplified her love for people and dedication to God, family and the church.

On the state level, she served in various capacities, including State Missions President in Mississippi and then later at 2 different times in South Carolina, living out her love for Missions.

Leota’s family was the joy of her life.  Nothing made her happier than spending time with them. She was often heard to say, “Don't talk bad about my kids.”

The Visitation will be Saturday, December 23, 2023 at First Church of the Nazarene in Sumter, SC, at 11:00 am,.followed by the Celebration of her life at 12:00 pm.  A private internment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, 17001 Prairie Star Pkwy, Lenexa. KS 66215