Alice Elizabeth (Bettie) Robbins Downing

Alice Elizabeth (Bettie) Robbins Downing, 95, passed away March 17, 2025, at Carolina Inn Assisted Living in Fayetteville NC. 

Bettie was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert Erle Downing, parents Arthur and Alice Robbins, brother Glen Robbins, and sisters Edith Sikes and Alta Spence.

Survived by daughter Dianne Brady (Ed) of Fayetteville NC, son Henry Downing (Sylvia) of Aberdeen NC; grandsons Adam Downing of Raleigh NC, Joseph Downing (Jennifer) of Raeford NC, Bobby Brady (Tiffany) of Hope Mills NC, and Ryan Brady of Derby VT; 5 great-grandchildren, Nathan and Daniel Downing of Raeford NC, Aiden Neasbitt, Raquel Brady and Thomas Wade Brady of Hope Mills NC; niece Gail Sikes of Scottsdale AZ; and brother Jimmy Welch of Ellijay GA.

Born in Atlanta GA in 1929, she came to Fayetteville in 1954 with her husband. She worked as a radiology technician and then as a civil service employee until she retired. She had a passion for duplicate bridge and accomplished her Silver Life Master certification with the American Contract Bridge League. She also enjoyed painting portraits of her family and friends in oil and watercolor, sculpting with clay, and drawing.

Her faith in God was abiding and she held memberships at First Baptist Church, Grace Church, and most recently Village Drive Baptist Church, all in Fayetteville NC.

A visitation will be held Saturday, March 22, at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service, Fayetteville NC, from 11am to 12pm. A funeral service will follow the visitation, officiated by the Reverend Mitch Watson. Private burial will be at Cross Creek Cemetery #3.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Carolina Inn Assisted Living, Tracy and Tony Love, Sheresa Hamilton, and Otis Davis for all their help and kindness.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service, Fayetteville NC.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.sullivanshighland.com.