Emily "Joyce" Downs

Emily "Joyce" Downs, 87, of Louisville, formally of Bardstown, passed away Wednesday March 4, 2026 at Norton Audubon Hospital in Louisville. She was born January 6, 1939 in Bardstown, retired from Jefferson County Public Schools after 22 years of service, enjoyed bingo, arts and crafts, games, chocolate, and loved being with her two sons and four grandsons. She was beautiful and a loving woman. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Orlando Downs; and parents, John and Thelma Mattingly.

She is survived by her two sons, Brent (Jessica) Downs of Louisville, and Jonathan (Elizabeth) Downs of Bloomfield; four grandsons, Linus Downs, Winston Downs, Jebediah Downs, and Haywood Downs; brother, John Mattingly; three sisters, Betty Montgomery, Kitty Adams, and Patsy Coomes Cecil; and several nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am Monday March 9, 2026 at Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, with inurnment at St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be 9 - 10:15 am Monday March 9, 2026 at Barlow Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.