Patty Downs

Patricia (Patty) Gossett Downs, 73, went to be with her Lord and Savior following complications from aspiration pneumonia after surgery on Monday, September 4th while surrounded by her family. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 8 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Scott Winchel officiating. Burial will be private. A Rosary will be held on Thursday, September 7 at 6 p.m. at the church with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Joseph Catholic Church, 830 Poplar St., 31201 or Mount de Sales Academy, 851 Orange St., 31201.

Patty was born May 7, 1944 in Sterling, Colorado to William Alonzo and Patricia Ann McLoughlin Gossett. She was the grandaughter of Patrick and Anna Dimond McLoughglin of Leitrim, Ireland. At the age of 2, she moved to Georgia at the end of her father's military career. She went to elementary and high school in Americus, GA. Patty graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in History.

She spent the majority of her life in Macon, GA where she raised her three sons with her beloved husband, Wayne, and ran a successful interior design business. She was a faithful parishioner of St Joseph Catholic Church and an integral part of its renovation efforts that began in 2003. Additionally, she was intstrumental in the construction of Sheridan Hall at Mount de Sales Academy and the renovation of St. Joseph School. The greatest joy of her life was the addition of her three wonderful grandchildren who affectionately knew her as "Dear."

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, J. Wayne Downs, of Macon, GA, her three sons, Jason Downs of Jacksonville, FL., Jared (Kathryn Murph) Downs and Justin (Patti Laurens) Downs all of St Simons Island, GA, three grandchildren, Carolyn Emma and Anna Hughes Downs, and Jefferson (Jeffrey) William Downs, all of St Simons Island. Patty is also survived by her three treasured sisters who lived hand in hand together throughout their lives, Ann (Mac) McAleese, of Buford, GA, Margaret (John Paul) Chambliss, of Milledgeville, GA, and Gerry (Myron) Wiklund, of Oak Ridge, TN, as well as several nieces and nephews. Additionally, she is survived by several beloved friends who were as close as family, John H. Johnson, Ceil Williams, and Carolyn Garvin. Lastly, the neighborhood of Bass at Rivoli was her home for 43 years and the friends found within it held a special place in her heart.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry St. has charge of arrangements.