Julia F. (Dill) Downey Obituary (1907 - 2017)

Julia F. (Dill) Downey, 109, of Decatur, IL passed away at 4:05 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Symphony of Decatur. A service to honor and celebrate Julias life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2017 at Moundford Free Methodist Church of Decatur with Dr. Richard Arrowood, Pastor Robert Smith and Pastor Chadwick Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. Her graveside blessings will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Julias wishes for memorial contributions are Moundford Free Methodist Church Missions or Decatur Memorial Hospital Pediatric Unit. Mrs. Downey was born on May 12, 1907 in Cowden, IL, the daughter of Franklin Dill and Etta Lucinda (Dowell) Dill. She graduated from Cowden Community High School. Julia was a graduate of Decatur Macon County School of Nursing in 1931 and retired from Decatur Memorial Hospital in 1972 where she was a Charge Nurse of Pediatrics. She was a member of Moundford Free Methodist Church holding numerous offices, life member of Womens Missionary Society, member of Decatur Memorial Hospital Alumni Association and Lodestar Retirees Club. Julia had uncountable friends and neighbors her entire life who remained faithful to her. Julia is survived by her daughter: Karolyn Barksdale of New York; son: James D. Downey and his wife Linda of Indiana; son: Stephen W. Downey; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded to Heaven by her husband F.E. Downey on December 16, 1995. They were blessed to celebrate their anniversary of 60 years and 6 months in June of 1995. Also preceded in death are her parents, three brothers: Evert, Russell and Esco, one sister: Blanche and one grandson: Douglas. Julias family greatly appreciates the many kindnesses and watchful care bestowed at Symphony of Decatur (formerly Aspen Ridge Care Center) during her final years of her journey. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Pastor Robert Smith for all of his devoted visitations and blessings. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.