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.
