Ruth Edna Bass Downing, 90 of Fayetteville passed away Monday, January 16, 2017. Ruth was born January 17, 1926 in Northampton County, NC to the late Nannie Lee Long and Robert Drew Bass.

Ruth was a faithful member of First Baptist Church where she served as secretary to her Sunday School Class. She served on many committees at the church. Ruth was a member of the Dig and Dream Garden Club. She was a longtime member of the Fayetteville Women's Club. Mrs. Downing was employed in the district court judges office for more than 20 years.

Funeral services Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. in First Baptist Church.The family will receive friends at the church in memorial lounge one hour prior to the service. The burial will be private in Cross Creek Cemetery.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Laurence Downing; brothers, Russell Lee Bass, Robert Drew Bass, Jr. and Waylon Thomas Bass. Funeral services are Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. in First Baptist Church with Rev. Robert James officiating. The family will receive friends at the church in memorial lounge one hour prior to the service. The burial will be private in Cross Creek Cemetery.

She is survived by her daughter, Denise D. Holmes and husband Larry of Fayetteville; sons, D. Lon Downing and wife Ann of Wilmington and Larry Downing and wife Renee of Durham; grandchildren, Kyle Holmes and wife Nichole, Laurence Holmes, Craven Downing and Katherine Downing; great-grandson, Barrett Holmes and a special niece Dr. Anna Lee Bass

In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Baptist Church 201 Anderson St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301.

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.