[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF LOVIS CLARISA HOWELL DOWNING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to pay tribute to Lovis 
Clarisa Howell Downing of Hoxie, AR, a fine businesswoman, a friend, a 
devoted family member, and someone who spent her entire life trying to 
make others happy.
  Lovis was born in Imboden on September 12, 1912. She grew up during 
World War I and the Great Depression, accepted a job as a school 
teacher, and eventually became the longtime owner of the Flower Basket 
in Walnut Ridge, AR, until she retired at the age of 79. Lovis also 
helped her father-in-law, Terrell Henry Downing, run the Downing's Ice 
Cream Parlor and Grocery from the mid 1930s until the 1950s.
  In addition to being a hard worker, Lovis was an active member of the 
Hoxie Methodist Church and the Hoxie Hooking Club. She was known for 
her service to the community, and was a frequent volunteer in church 
and civic activities.
  Lovis and her husband Brooks Downing have one son, Terrell Henry 
Downing, II, of Hoxie, and two daughters, Dr. Suzanne Gibbard and Dr. 
Frances Hunter of Jonesboro. They also have nine grandchildren, Kyle 
Downing of Fayetteville, Amy West of Jonesboro, Jason Willett of 
Jonesboro, Felicia Willett of Memphis, Mike Deloache and Scott Hunter, 
Jr., of Jonesboro, Lisa Melton of Houston, TX, Kelley Pillizzi of 
Libertyville, IL, and David Gibbard of Memphis, and six great 
grandchildren.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lovis Clarisa Howell 
for 93 years of achievement and contributions to her community. She 
opened her home to so many during her life, and will be remembered as a 
wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, and a fine 
American.

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