Julie Downing

Juliette “Julie” Ruth McNeil Downing passed away January 23, 2022 at Imboden Creek Living Center at age 102.Private family funeral services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials in Julie’s honor may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or Kemmerer Village, 941 N 2500 East Rd, Assumption, IL 62510.Julie was born November 16, 1919 in Johnson City, TN, the oldest of three children of Alex and Mary (Estill) McNeil. She married Dr. Charles F. Downing on May 8, 1943 in Knoxville, TN. Julie earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a Masters degree from Massachusetts General Hospital as a Certified Hospital Dietician. Julie thoroughly enjoyed traveling and playing bridge but her most treasured time was spent with her family - especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a fabulous cook and hosted many family gatherings. Julie was well-known for baking dozens of Christmas cookies for her family to enjoy. She was a loyal member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for over 70 years, was a member of PEO-Chapter GR, Macon County Medical Alliance, Junior Welfare, and was an Oglesby Mansion Volunteer.Julie is survived by her five children: Elizabeth “Betsey” Downing of Pittsboro, NC, Nancy Stockwell (Bob) of Bloomington, IN, Martha Downing of Shingle Springs, CA, Kathy Jackson (Brad) of Mt. Zion, IL, Jim Downing (Robin) of Blacksburg, VA. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Rob Stockwell of Bloomington, IN, Will Stockwell (Carley) of Kalamazoo, MI, Matt Stockwell (Laura) of Bloomington, IN, Scott Stockwell (fiancee’ Hannah Aiken) of Washington, DC, Kristin Chambers (John) of Mt. Zion, IL, Julie Anderson (Oliver) of Indian Land, SC, Jennifer Hoaglun (Tyler) of Meridian, ID, Rachel Rasmussen (Scott) of Weston, WI, Leah (Nick) Smith of Waynesville, NC; great grandchildren Gray, Cutter, and Crosby Stockwell; Eric, Michael, and Evie Stockwell; Isabelle, Adalyn, and Elliana Patterson; Henley, Kinsley, and Nolan Hoaglun.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dr. Charles Downing; sister Eleanor Massey; and infant brother Alex, Jr.The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff of Imboden Creek Gardens and the Imboden Creek Living Center for their care and compassion shown to Julie and her family.