Dottie Kay Downing

Dottie Kay Downing, age 78, of Tiptonville, TN, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 31, 2026.

Born on July 10, 1947, in Samburg, TN, she was the beloved daughter of the late John Thomas Haynes and Lucille Kirby Haynes. Dottie was the proud owner and operator of Lakeview Restaurant since 1993, where she dedicated her time and passion. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed sewing, reading, needlepoint, and working on puzzles. Dottie attended Lakeview Baptist Church. She will be remembered for her love of life and her many contributions to her community.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in the Tiptonville Chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home with Bro. Nick Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Lake Memorial Gardens. The family will receive visitors beginning at 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Survivors include her two daughters, Elisa Kay Rice (Garry) of Jensen Beach, FL and Fonda Gooch Armstrong (Sherrell) of Dyersburg, TN; a sister, Carolyn Davis (Roland) of Samburg, TN; a brother, Lanny Haynes (Deborah) of Tiptonville, TN; five grandchildren, Billy Milazzo, Caitlin Lomas (Will), Wilson Armstrong (Tori), Annaleigh Armstrong and Lainey Armstrong; two great-grandchildren, Warren Lomas and Neyland Armstrong; and her beloved caregivers, Willie Jones, Sharon Banks, Lynn Gates, Marquita DePriest and Annette Hughes.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Dottie was preceded in death by her husband, J.D. Downing; an infant son, Jeffery Wade Gooch; and three sisters, Jonnie Sue King, Elaine Loden and Debbie Gay Arrwood.

Serving as pallbearers will be Billy Milazzo, Will Lomas, Wilson Armstrong, Kelly Bartlett, Dwayne Haynes and Tim Bancroft.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org/memorial

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