Carrol Laverne Lewis Downing, at the tender age of 82, entered the eternal arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 9, 2026, in Snowflake, Arizona.

Born on December 26, 1943, in Alameda, California, to Ralph Arthur Lewis and Eva Jenkins, Carrol was raised in Holbrook, Arizona, where she grew up as one of five children. A proud Roadrunner, she graduated from Holbrook High School in 1961.

During her high school years, Carrol was an active and talented student. She played the trumpet, participated in Drum and Bugle Corps and Drama Club, and proudly won a speech contest. Even at a young age, she demonstrated the confidence, determination, and outgoing personality that would become hallmarks of her life.

Carrol's strong work ethic began early. At just 11 years old, she started working for ten cents an hour. Her first job was waiting tables during the summer for Mr. Gibbons. Throughout her working, she held a special fondness for one particular job: car-hopping. Carrol was never afraid of hard work, and her willingness to give her best would carry her throughout her life.

In 1962, Carrol married Gary Ralph Downing in Phoenix, Arizona. Together, they began building a family that would become the greatest love of her life. She was the proud mother of Stephanie (Kim), Russ, Dañelle, and Cali. Carrol was an involved and devoted mother who loved being part of her children's lives. Whether volunteering with Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, cheering from the sidelines at peewee football games, or supporting her children in cheerleading, she was always there to encourage them and make memories together. Her love for her children was evident in the time, energy, and heart she poured into their activities and upbringing.

In 1980, the family moved to Show Low, Arizona, a community that would become home for many years and where Carrol would leave an enduring mark.

Carrol devoted 22 years of her professional life to serving as the Executive Director of the Show Low Chamber of Commerce. She took tremendous pride in her role as a community leader and worked tirelessly alongside local businesses to promote tourism and economic growth throughout the region. Her dedication and contributions to the community were recognized when she received the honor of Citizen of the Year.

Among her many accomplishments, Carrol helped develop the Show Low Main Street Association, Show Low Ambassadors, and The Lucky Sevens, leaving a lasting legacy of community involvement and civic pride. She created the first business directories and street map for Show Low, helping residents and visitors alike navigate and connect with the growing community. She also established the Show Low Christmas Light Parade, a cherished annual tradition that continues to bring joy to thousands each year.

Carrol's dedication to Show Low reflected her deep love for the community and the people who made it special. She was more than a community leader; she was a driving force behind the growth, spirit, and traditions of the town she loved.

Above all else, Carrol's greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart and soul into every holiday, making each gathering special and creating traditions and memories her loved ones will cherish for generations. She loved bringing everyone together, filling a room with laughter, and capturing those precious moments with her camera. To Carrol, photographs were more than pictures; they were pieces of her family's history, preserving treasured memories for the stories that would be retold.

Her love for children extended well beyond her own four. Carrol selflessly helped raise her grandchildren, giving them the gifts of her time, guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love. Being a grandmother was one of her greatest joys, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She gave of herself freely, always finding room in her heart and life for the people she loved.

Carrol was bold, a loving protector, our gathering place, our family historian, generous to a fault, and never afraid to speak her mind. She possessed a strong spirit, an outspoken nature, and a heart that always made room for one more person. She was forgiving, loyal, and always ready to stand up for those she loved. Her care and compassion reached far beyond her immediate family. She was everyone's mom-a source of comfort, strength, wisdom, and unconditional love to countless people who were blessed to know her.

At the center of Carrol's life was her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church of Show Low, and sharing Scripture was an important part of who she was. Her faith was the foundation of her life, shaping the way she loved others, served her community, and cared for her family. The love she gave so freely was a reflection of the faith she carried in her heart.

Her favorite Bible verse was Galatians 2:20:

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Carrol leaves behind a family and community forever touched by her love. She is survived by her children, Russ Downing, Dañelle Kinslow (Downing), and Cali Ford (Downing); eight grandchildren, Tyler Downing, Josh Begay, Jason Downing, Justin Downing, Cameron Cromwell, Tayler Virgen (Downing), Sean Kelley, and Madisyn Downing; twelve great-grandchildren; her sister, Sharlia Lewis; and many dear friends and members of the community who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Stephanie (Kim) Downing; her parents, Ralph Lewis and Eva Smith; her brothers, Ralph Jr. and Charlie Lewis; and her sister, Velma Perkins (Lewis).

Carrol's life was a testament to the power of faith, the importance of family, and the beauty of a heart devoted to serving others. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the community she helped strengthen, accomplishments within the community, the photographs she treasured, the children and grandchildren she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched along the way.

Her earthly journey is complete, but her legacy of faith and love will live on for generations. She is home with Jesus, and she will forever remain in our hearts.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Show Low on November 7, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.