Laura Leta Russell Downs, age 92, of Avinger died Monday, March 1, 2010, in Marshall.

She was born Nov. 18, 1917, in Woodlawn, a daughter of Luther David and Lena Estella White Russell. She was married to Curtis Edwin Downs Sr. on April 30, 1938, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 29, 2004. In 1947, their first son, Curtis Edwin Downs Jr. was born with severe physical and medical disabilities. They were told he would probably not live to his teens and would do best in an institution. They took him home and devoted their lives to his comfort and care. Curtis lived to be 31, passing away in 1978. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Avinger, W.M.U. of the Church, Past Worthy Matron of Avinger Chapter and Order of Eastern Star #478. She was formerly a Avinger Citizen of Year in 1987 and a member of the 1936 Study Club. After her Lord and her family, she was most proud of her family business. At the time of her death she was Vice President of Patricia Downs Enterprises Inc., and Downs Funeral Home of Marshall.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2010, at the First Baptist Church of Avinger with burial to follow in the Avinger Cemetery. Officiating the service will be Rev. Dennis Gibbons and Rev. Bob Crowder. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 4th at Downs Funeral Home of Marshall and Friday, March 5th at 10 a.m. until service time at the First Baptist Church of Avinger.

Survivors include her children, Keith A. and Patricia Downs of Marshall; grandchildren, Casey and Jordan Bulaclac of Tomball; three great- grandchildren, Raini, Aaron and Tory Bulaclac of Tomball; and her four sisters, Lillian Morris and Buck of Diana, Gayle McKnight and Sonny of Smithland, Lavelle Powell and Dayton of Marshall and Ladelle Kay of Longview. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Earl and Waulinda Downs of Sulphur Springs, Arthur and Mildred Downs of Avinger, Doris Williams of Hobbs, New Mexico, Hulene and Bill Taylor of Longview, Margaret Russell of Smithland, Frances and Les Whatley of Smithland and Martha Russell of Pittsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be her nephews. The family request memorials to the Avinger Cemetery Association, C/O First State Bank, P.O. Box 218, Avinger, Texas 75630. Downs Funeral Home
Published in The Marshall News Messenger on March 4, 2010