Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Patricia (Patty) Henrietta Downes, age 68

Patricia (Patty) Henrietta Downes, age 68, passed away Saturday, April 24, 2021 with her daughter by her side.

Patty was born March 22, 1953 in Chandler, Arizona, the daughter of a US Military Veteran, she traveled extensively during her early years.  She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Lynn (Vickie) Downes (David Stone) of Little Rock, her grandson Donald Wesley Downes, who lovingly called her “Oma”; and a host of many friends from all walks of life.

She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth (Kenny) Wesley Downes, daughter in law, Kim Martin- Downes; a brother, Donald Lynn Harris, half-brother, Bernd Harris and her parents, Maria Henrietta Harris and Kenneth Albert Harris.

Patty worked for Engineering Consultants of Little Rock for 48 years retiring in September of 2020. She began as a secretary, answering the phone and by the time she retired, she had been doing the administrative work, bookkeeping, payroll and everything other than drafting and engineering but it was said she probably could have mastered that too as much as she knew about it.

She was an Active member of Highland Valley United Methodist Church and was currently the Chairman of the Alpha Circle of the United Methodist Women. She held many offices with the United Methodist Women through the years including President in 2018-19; a member of the Highland Valley UMC Chancel Choir; Recording Secretary of the Church Council; Teacher of the Good News Sunday School Class, a member of the Evangelism Committee, attended Discipleship Training and participated in every mission and ministry of the church always volunteering where needed.  She twice received the Special Recognition Award from the United Methodist Women for outstanding service.

Patty was a loving, hardworking single mother who fought tooth and nail for her kids.  She often went without so her son and daughter could have what they needed.  Known to be the “Grammar Police” because her dad instilled in her proper grammar and spelling; but to the many friends she had, they knew her as “The Purple Lady” for her love of the color purple and was complimented frequently on her purple hair!  For every child that met her, she was called Grandma!  She loved to knit and was an avid reader.  She mastered Card Stamping and made personalized cards to send to friends and church members.

Deeply religious, she frequently gave the blessing at events she attended in and out of church and was fun loving and kind with a loving soul – always helping anyone who needed a couch to sleep on; a meal to share or a few dollars to get them by.

We think of Patty when we read the quote by Evan Escar, “You can’t do anything about the length of your life.  But you can do something about its width and depth”.

There is no doubt Patty is in Heaven. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and her Church Family.

A Celebration of Patty’s life will be held Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 2pm at Highland Valley United Methodist Church.  HVUMC follows the Ar Department of Health Covid guidelines and those by the Arkansas Methodist Conference.  Temperatures will be checked and masks are mandatory.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the United Methodist Women of Highland Valley United Methodist Church, 15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212 or to the educational fund she established for her grandson, Kenneth Wesley Downes at Bank of America.

Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400

21 Comments

  • Vickie Posted April 27, 2021 10:49 AM

    Oh! My sweet Momma. I miss you so deeply already. This picture was our next to last Fassler Hall visit. Took ya almost an hour to finish that beer & we had brats & pretzels that day. I will cherish every day I had with you. You will always be my driving force. Give Gma, Gpa, Donald, Kenny, & Kim a big ol hug from Wes & me! Until we can all hug again…💜

  • Michelle Greer Posted April 27, 2021 11:16 AM

    Patty was a strong support to me. A godly, awesome person. She will be greatly missed.

  • Angela Stricklin Posted April 27, 2021 11:47 AM

    Vickie – Your mom was such a special person and so loved by so many. Praying for you, David and Wes. It’s been such a hard few years. I know you take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with Kenny and Kim. With love, Angela and the Kuntzman family.

  • Pamela Simpson Posted April 27, 2021 11:48 AM

    Miss you, Patty! Will miss our long conversations, hugs, knitting sessions, and everything else we did together. Love you so much. I’ll watch over Vickie and try to keep her straight…but you know how that will probably turn out! Lol! Fly high Patty!!

  • Kay Cogbill Posted April 27, 2021 1:25 PM

    I will miss this smiling face. I always think of her when using purple in my crafting. My child and her grandson were born early around the same time and we have travelled our share of crafting events. She will be truly missed. There was no bigger heart in the world 💜

  • Cathey Morris Posted April 27, 2021 1:39 PM

    Patty was a wonderful woman to have for a friend and a rock to get things done in our church. There will be a large vacuum of her absence. Prayers for Vickie and Wes to feel comfort of love from our Father and our church family. Please know you are in our church family! I hold onto the vision of Patty being welcomed by Jesus! Someday when we’re all together again, it will be as if we were never apart. Thanks for all you did and were, Sister in Christ.

  • Debbie Shownes Posted April 27, 2021 2:43 PM

    I will miss Patty. We called each other “twins” after show up in the same outfit for a show the church did a couple years ago. I know the pain you were in and I know now the pain is no more. Skip down those streets of gold.

  • Kimberly & Clarence Trice Posted April 27, 2021 3:23 PM

    We will certainly miss Patty here at Highland Valley UMC! She had a beautiful smile and such a loving heart for others. When she retired, she was ready to become one of our “Office Angels” in the church. We will miss her presences and spirit…blessings and prayers to her family and close friends; especially the Good News Sunday school class.

  • Denise Strackbein Posted April 27, 2021 3:33 PM

    How you will be missed. The alto section will have a special place for you always ❤ every time I see purple 💜 I I will think of you my sweet friend. See you on the other side!

  • Milinda Brown Posted April 27, 2021 4:19 PM

    Vickie,
    I was so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. We would sometimes run into each other at the grocery store and I would check up on you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Margaret Yates Posted April 27, 2021 4:59 PM

    I will miss Patty terribly. I was truly blessed to have known her and counted her as a friend. In all the ways she gave to others and the unique ways she embraced life, she will always be remembered. She was a loving, caring person who was great to share laughs with from time to time! Praying for comfort and peace for Vickie and Wes during this time.

  • Daniel Egbe Posted April 27, 2021 6:06 PM

    Ms. Patty we will miss you so much; we will miss the group outing for lunch after Sunday service. William will always want to sit by you so that he can play games on your phone. You gladly let him play games on your phone. You were such a kind spirit.

    The Egbes

  • Michelle Earnhart Posted April 27, 2021 7:15 PM

    As a child I remember she was had a smile on her face. She always made sure she welcomed everyone in church. I remember going home with them after church and she always wanted to feed me and make sure I felt at home. Vickie our momma’s are looking down in us and smiling knowing they left wonderful legacies to carry on. 💜💜

  • Michelle Earnhart Posted April 27, 2021 7:15 PM

    As a child I remember she always had a smile on her face. She always made sure she welcomed everyone in church. I remember going home with them after church and she always wanted to feed me and make sure I felt at home. Vickie our momma’s are looking down in us and smiling knowing they left wonderful legacies to carry on. 💜💜

  • Randy McLean and Marilyn Winburne Posted April 28, 2021 7:39 AM

    Vickie we send prayers to you and your family. Patty was a very special person. I got to know her when we started a singles group along time ago at Highland Valley. She was friendly and a very sweet person. Every time we saw each other either at church or when she was at Walmart shopping she would always asked how is my Mom doing. My Mom sends her prayers to you and she said God got a very strong angel on his side.

  • Ulysses C. Washington Posted April 29, 2021 1:18 PM

    When I think of Patty, I recall the words of a song/hymn that says:

    May the works I’ve done speak for me. May the work I’ve done speak for me. When I’m resting in my grave, there is nothing to be said;
    May the works that I’ve done, Speak for me.

    Bridge: The work that I’ve done, it seems so small, Sometimes, it seems like, seems like I’ve done nothing at all. When I stand before my God,
    I want to hear Him say well done. May the works that I’ve done, speak for me… Patty, Well Don, Thou Good And Faithful Servant.

    Pastor UC

  • Mary Lou Martin Posted April 30, 2021 3:42 PM

    After Patty and I served together on the district UMW team, I always looked forward to seeing her at district meetings. I was continually impressed that she invited her Facebook friends to her church’s services and events and was amazed at what she continued to do during her long valiant fight with health problems. May she rest in peace!

  • Jeannie Weatherford Posted May 1, 2021 7:26 AM

    Patty, you were always so happy, no matter the situation.In choir, you uplifted everyone around you and always focused on the positive. Miss you sweet friend. 🎼💜

  • Gena Fielder Posted May 4, 2021 7:33 AM

    So sorry for your loss! She led a life of service. She will be missed.

  • Sandy Posted May 5, 2021 7:39 AM

    Vickie the bond between you and your Mom was so strong that she shines through you now. She is now by your side continuously and will help guide you through hard times and laugh with you through the others Whenever I see purple I will always think of Patti
    She is with Jesus now that her work on earth is done

  • Susie Tannehill Posted May 10, 2021 9:26 AM

    I already miss you Patty. Your bright smile, your happy laughter, your hugs & kind words. I will miss your purple hair & kindness. My prayers were for your healing & GOD healed you in HIS way. Blessings for Vickie & Wes.

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