Debra Ann Downing

Debra Ann Downing, 57, of Poplar Bluff passed away Friday, June 30, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Debbie was born June 24, 1960 in Poplar Bluff to Roger and MaryLou Dinkins. For many years she worked as Franchise Manager at Jackson Hewitt and Express Personnel in Poplar Bluff. Debbie was involved in girl scouts and was a homeroom mother for her children, and more recently was supportive of all her grandchildren’s special events as much as possible, creating precious memories.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 39 years, Jack (Buzz) Downing; two sons, Wade Downing and his wife Sarah of Houston, Texas and Jeremy Downing of Poplar Bluff; a daughter, Alana Downing of Poplar Bluff; her father, Roger Dinkins of Greenville; a brother, Ronnie Dinkins of Wappapello; a sister, Bonnie Luttrell and her husband Tommy of Keatchie, La.; and six grandchildren: Jayla, Christopher, Zoe, McKenna, Cede and Raegan.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lou Dinkins, two brothers, Lenny and Jeffrey Dinkins and her grandparents, Charles and Beulah Dinkins.

The family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Debbie’s sister Bonnie, for taking off work and coming to help care for her in the last months of her life. Debbie and Bonnie have always been close but they grew even closer in her final weeks. Also, a special thank you to Dr. Safdar, Jana Boxx, Kelly Hahn-Boxx, Pam Emke, Sam Emke, the wonderful Home Health and Hospice staff of VNA, and closest friends, Dawna Leutert, Regina Boatner and Denna Quaite for all the love and support throughout this journey.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening, July 2nd from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 3rd at Cotrell Funeral Chapel with Minister Kelly Blackwell officiating. Interment will be in the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please send donations to UCAN of Poplar Bluff, in memory of Debbie, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in honor of Elizabeth Marie Polin (Izzy) who was such an inspiration to Debbie.

Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is a gift from God.

That’s why we call it the present.