LaNae Pearson Downs

LaNae grew up in Fairfield, Montana and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1980. She left home shortly before her 18th birthday to attend Brigham Young University, where she met her future husband, Phil Downs. The two married in the Salt Lake City LDS temple on February 14, 1985. After graduation, they moved to Kent, Washington where Phil worked for Boeing and LaNae worked in banking until they had their first daughter, Carli. She loved staying home with Carli and later on, with Allison too. She fully enjoyed their years in the Seattle area. The Downs family moved to Peachtree City, Georgia in 1996. Jefferson joined the family soon after that. LaNae spent several years being a busy mom to their three children.

In 2002, she started working part-time at Manheim Auto Auction. She excelled at her job as a block clerk and was quickly put over the rest of the team, eventually advancing to her most recent position as a Commercial Account Administrator. She valued education and had a desire to earn her college degree. So, in 2016, she went back to school and earned her Bachelor’s degree in University Studies at Brigham Young University in Idaho.

From the time she was a teenager, LaNae was a talented seamstress. She often made her own clothes. As her family grew, she used her sewing skills to sew for her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel and was an excellent vacation planner. She loved spending time with her family, especially staying at Hilton Head, South Carolina in one of the condos where she enjoyed walking on the beach. It was her happy place. She would often invite others to stay and was an exceptional hostess to all.

LaNae was talented in many ways and liked to have a project. She had the vision of what she wanted, especially with remodeling projects, and Phil was the one that made it happen. They were the perfect team.

LaNae is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phil, in May 2024; and by her father, Robert Pearson. She is survived by her mother, Alene Miller Pearson; her daughters, Carli Christiansen (Mark), Allison Downs; her son, Jefferson Downs Leisinger (Rob); her granddaughters, Evalyn, Claire, and Sophie Christiansen; brothers, Todd (Debbie), Ryan (Judi), Lance (Debra); and sisters, Lisa Peterson (John) and Collette Shaw.

LaNae will be remembered for her ability to make friends anywhere, her kindness, and her devotion to her family and faith. She will be deeply missed.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 101 North Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree City, Georgia 30269, on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM.