Violet Mae Munger Downs

Violet (Munger)Downs, beloved wife of the late Martin Downs, Jr., passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at her home in Highland, MI. Survivors include sons Larry (Bonnie) of Holly; Brian of Grand Rapids; Terry (Nancy) of Canton; and daughter Marcia (Brent) Barker of Kirkland, WA. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters along with a host of family and long-time friends.

Mrs. Downs was born August 30, 1926 in Holly, MI at the Munger farm and grew up in Highland, briefly attending Michigan State University. Mrs. Downs was an active and frequent volunteer serving her church and such organizations as Huron Valley Hospital and the Red Cross. In 2007, she was recognized by the Oakland County Clerk/Registrar for her devoted service as an election worker over a span of 55 years. For many years, Mrs. Downs was an instructional aide working in Waterford Township Schools with disabled children.

Mrs. Downs’ varied interests included a love of nature and the great outdoors where she enjoyed bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming-which she practiced well into her 80s. In her later years, Mrs. Downs enjoyed international travel and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Strong in spirit and conviction, Mrs. Downs will long be remembered by all who knew her.

Visitation on Saturday August 11, 2012 from 5-8pm at the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Rd. Highland. Funeral Service at 3pm Sunday at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Beebe Cemetery in Rose Township. Memorial contributions are suggested to Oxbow Lake Baptist Church. Share a memory online at www.eltonblackandsonhighland.com.