Virginia I. Downs, 94, passed away December 19, 2016. She was born in Freeport on August 27, 1922 to Herman and Viola (Hopke) Shippy. She attended Freeport Senior High and on September 1, 1940 she married Robert L. Downs. They were married for fifty-five years.

She worked at Burgess Battery until it closed and retired from Micro Switch. She then became a certified Body Recall instructor and taught exercise and dance classes for Highland College and the Senior Center.Virginia's sunny personality brought joy to not only her family and friends, but to the many who enjoyed attending her classes. She loved nature, dancing, singing, laughing and life.

She is survived by her sons, James (Deborah) and David (Kelli) Downs and her daughters, Dixie Sampson and Peggy Arand, all of Freeport, her niece, Norma Muggler of Lena, nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents, and a great- granddaughter.

The funeral service will be held Friday, December 23rd at 11:00 am at Walker Mortuary in Freeport with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established in her name.