Mary Virginia Bell Downie's Obituary
Mary Virginia Bell Downie passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024. Ginger was born in Birmingham, AL on July 16, 1947, and for the past 28 years was a resident of St. Tammany Parish in Abita Spring, LA.
She is survived by her loving sons, Scott Downie and Michael Downie; her grandchildren, Alyssa “Alex” Downie, Ryan Downie and Elizabeth Downie; as well as her bonus granddaughter Eryn Taylor. She is also survived by her sister Peggy Bell Craven, and nieces, cousins, and wonderful lifelong friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roderick Laird Downie, and her parents Elizabeth Bell and Frank Gordon Bell, Jr.
Ginger’s greatest passion and love was for the Lord. She raised her boys in church and taught them the fear and admonition of the Lord, in obedience to Ephesians 6:4. She loved her spiritual family at Trinity Church, serving in several ministries, and more recently teaching in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Ginger’s calling in life involved serving others through education. She was a passionate and lifelong teacher, and she served for many years at Northlake Christian School. When not in the classroom, Ginger enjoyed working in her yard, playing cards, spending time with her grandchildren, and of course her annual summer vacation to Orange Beach, Alabama with her family. She is remembered for her exceptional ability to sew up anything on her sewing machine, operate a boat, slalom ski, lead family devotion time, organize everything, whip up on her sons in ping-pong, and to stand in prayer for those in need. Ginger’s love for the Lord and her heart for people leave behind a lasting legacy!
Ginger will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Downie may be made to Trinity Church benevolence fund at https://trinityefca.com/give/.
A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Church at 19380 N 10th Street
Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, January 11, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM and a fellowship lunch. Family and friends are invited to attend.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Downie family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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