Edith Elizabeth Summers Downing

Edith was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Carrie Isabel Bennett Summers and Grady Alvin Summers. The only daughter with two brothers, she was the darling of the family. As a child, she professed her abiding faith in Jesus Christ and maintained an unwavering devotion to her pursuit of living out his teachings. More than anything, Edith will be remembered by her authentic Christian life of service and caring.

Edith studied music and became a church musician, a skilled Bible studies teacher, and was frequently sought for her wisdom in counseling and mentoring. She was a prolific reader who made copious notes and underlinings in all her favorite books.

As a young mother of two, Edith shared her faith, humor, and encouraged the children to invent their own games, turning even the most difficult assignment into fun. She was always available to listen to childish concerns and displayed remarkable wisdom in matters of life and love. She taught the children to memorize poetry by putting the lines to music. Edith was quick to join in their adventures, supplying music for their neighborhood circus, bicycle riding in pitch dark with no lights, and exhibiting an appreciation for simple pleasures.

Edith was an excellent southern cook, and her desserts were among the best. But her talent as an appliqué artist set her apart with her works displayed in specialty shops and proudly hung by those fortunate enough to be their owners. A born teacher, Edith enjoyed sharing her skills in classes she taught and particularly loved developing the gifts of her students. Although her pieces sold well, Edith preferred to give her creations as gifts rather than personally profit from them.

Edith is survived by her daughter, Marthe Downing Curry; son, Jack Dee Downing, and his wife, Linda Sue; granddaughter, Tish Tucker, and her husband, Jim; grandsons, Chris Hagee, and his wife, Brooks, Joshua Downing, and his wife, Jennifer, Jonathan Downing, and his wife, Danielle; great-granddaughters, Mckenzie, Kassidee, Caroline, Kennedy, Harper, and Jordan; great-grandson, William; sister-in-law, Shirley Summers; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Visitation will be Friday, July 31, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Porter Loring Mortuary North with interment on Saturday, August 1, at 10:00 a.m. at San Fernando Cemetery III. At 1:00 p.m. a celebration service will be held at Porter Loring North.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send a contribution to Heart to Heart Hospice, 8918 Tesoro, San Antonio, TX 78217.