Dorothy 'Alice' Downing

Danville- Dorothy "Alice" Downing, 64, of Danville passed away at 9:05 PM on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Danville Care surrounded by her family. She was born on February 11, 1947 in Coral Gables, FL to Leon R. Herm, Sr. and Jean A. Miller. She is survived by two sons, Craig (Amy) Downing of Henning and Andrew (Jen) Downing of St. Mary, GA; two daughters Kimberly A. (Thom) Gerler of Danville and Wendy L. (Don) Mowers of Alvin; brother Leon "Butch" Herm, Jr.; 11 grandchildren, Kayla Ford, Meghan Mowers, Chase Downing, Alexis Downing, Caitlyn Downing, Lucas Downing, Alexandra Anderson, Hunter Anderson, Cassi Sullivan, Courtney Dhondt, and Wesley Smith; three great-grandchildren, Kadynce Sullivan, Keaton Sullivan, Nolan Dhondt; special-friends Rosemary Sanks, Donna Scott, Bonnie Vance; several nieces and nephews; and special caretaker, Tassie Haner. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert. Dorothy was a graduate of Murphy High School in Mobile, AL and, after moving to Danville, worked at Royal Donut and Danville Manor. Her passion though was her work as a cosmetologist. In addition to styling hair, she loved dogs, watching the Food Network and had been involved in theater and dance through Danville Light Opera and Red Mask. She was a member of Central Christian Church and the Elks Club. Dorothy had a contagious laugh and she never knew a stranger. She was selfless, always putting others before herself. A service to celebrate the life of Dorothy Downing will be held at 6 PM on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. Pastor Deann Anderson will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Visitation will be held from 4-5:30 PM prior to the service, with rites from the Elk Lodge being performed at 5:30 PM. Memorials may be made to CARA of Tilton, IL, the American Cancer Society, or the Danville Elks #332. Please join Dorothy's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.