Phyliss Downing
March 11, 1935 — March 9, 2010
Phyliss Downing, 74
Phyliss Downing, 74, of Meridian, Miss., formerly of Lafayette, IN. died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at the Fisher House in Meridian.
Born March 11, 1935, in Marion, IN. she was the daughter of the late Francis and Naomi McLain Shaver. She moved to Fairmount, where she lived with her foster parents, the late Stanley and Lenore Kesler.
Mrs. Downing became a registered nurse, working at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette. She met William Downing at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and they married June 16, 1957 in Fairmount, IN. and he preceded her in death July 7, 2007. She moved to Meridian in 1972, and worked at St. Joseph Hospital and Riley Hospital. Mrs. Downing lived at the Fisher House and was in Southern Care Hospice.
Surviving are her children, Diana Van Buren (husband: Charles) of Byram, Miss., Dr. Deborah Schultz (husband: Carl) of Meridian, Miss.; William Jay Downing of Meridian and Janine Graves (husband: Paul) of Enterprise, Miss.; sisters, Judith Kneipple, Leesburg, Fla., Polly Martin of Chandler, Texas, and Florence Irvin of Marion; and brothers, Joe Shaver of Marion and John Shaver of Dallas.
Also surviving are grandchildren, Jessica Graves, Justin Graves, Jayden Graves, Jayden Graves and Angel Graves of Enterprise, Miss., Catherine Van Buren of Byram, Miss., Andrea Downing, David Shultz and Sarah Shultz of Meridian and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant son, John Matthew, brothers, Jim, Glenn and Jerry Shaver, and sister Janet Bingle. Her husband, William was the love of her life. Phyliss was a wonderful wife and mother.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Battle Ground Cemetery, Rev. James Morin officiating. HAHN-GROEBER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com