Norma Jean Downing

Norma Jean Downing, of Phoenix, passed quietly away on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the age of 90. Born in Dekalb, Missouri on September 20, 1931 to Albert and Bessie Brown, she was the youngest of three daughters. Norma attended Rushville High School where she met her husband of 66 years, Ernest Downing. The couple married in 1949 and moved to Phoenix to start their lives together. Ernie, a concrete mason, founded Ernest Downing Construction with Norma working by his side as secretary and bookkeeper. Ernie and Norma raised three daughters.

Norma enjoyed spending time planting and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens which were plentiful with tomatoes, zucchini, and watermelons. She was an avid sports fan, armchair coaching for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Suns, Arizona Cardinals, and Arizona Sun Devils. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, and sisters Virgina Howlier and Laura Ruth Sampson. She is survived by her daughters Bonnie Echeverria (Phillip), Debbie Vasquez (Ed), and Sherry James (Norm), six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 3 at 11:00am, at The Chapel of the Chimes, 7924 North 59th Ave, Glendale. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Norma’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014.