Esma Joyce Downs

Esma Joyce Stallings Downs, a strong woman always ready to take on a new adventure, died Sept. 22 at the age of 90 in Amarillo, TX.

Esma’s adventurous life began June 5,1935 when she was born in Vinson, OK, to Vergie Lee Spear Stallings and Benjamin Harrison Stallings. It was on the family farm where she learned about hard work, picking cotton, tending the vegetable garden and even driving a tractor. She attended Vinson schools, where she met her sweetheart and future husband. She married Jimmy Wayne Downs, July 12, 1953, tightening a family connection, since six years earlier, her brother had married his sister.

Esma’s remarkable journey was marked by courage and a spirit of adventure. When the Army stationed Jimmy in Germany, she stayed behind until their first child, Billy, was born—then, undaunted and with baby in arms, she crossed the ocean to join him, embracing military life abroad for more than two years.

Upon returning the U.S., they lived on a farm in Oklahoma. During this time, their daughter, Barbara, was born. Shortly after, they moved to the Amarillo area where Jimmy started his career with the U.S. Bureau of Mines Helium Operations. When Jimmy was transferred to Shiprock, New Mexico on the Navajo Indian Reservation, Esma drew on her adaptability and independence. While they were living in New Mexico, their son, Monty, was born in nearby Cortez, Colorado. In New Mexico, Esma embraced life sharing the happiness in camping, fishing, skiing, jeeping, and exploring the mountain beauty of New Mexico and Colorado with her growing family. Her love of nature and travel never diminished, leading her to visits across Alaska, New England, California and New York City in campers and motorhomes. Always ready to take the wheel, she often repeated that her favorite way to travel was with her own bed in tow, evidence of her fun-loving spirt.

In 1968, the family returned to Amarillo, where they have remained, discovering new adventures. Together, Esma and Jimmy pursued varied interests, from playing cards, dominoes, and bridge, to square dancing. Their activities included joining the volunteer fire department at Lake Tanglewood. Of course, Esma took her turn driving the firetruck. They formed lifelong friendships from their childhood, from the army days, from the Helium Activity, and from Amarillo.

Esma began her secretarial career in the Shiprock public schools and then continued that course with the Amarillo ISD when they moved back to Amarillo. Later she transitioned to the Personnel Department at Southwestern Public Service, where she worked until retirement.

As a livelong Methodist, Emma’s favorite way to serve was as a church organist. For many years, she played at Shiprock Methodist Church and Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church. Music, especially the hymns “How Great Thou Art” and “It is Well with My Soul,” were her favorite ways to worship God. Church was always important to her, and she and Jimmy remained grateful for their friends in the Covenant Class at St. Stephen Church of Amarillo

Esma is survived by her husband of 72 years, Jimmy Wayne Downs; their three children and their spouses, Billy Downs and his wife Deborah, Barbara Downs Alderete and her husband Wesley; Monty Downs and his wife Robin; their six grandchildren, Kasey Alderete, Ethan Alderete, Christopher Downs, David Downs, Steven Downs and Connor Downs.; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Vergie Stallings; her brother, Robert Stallings; her sisters, Margarette Smith and Kathy Oty; and her grandson, Joshua Alderete.

Services are planned for 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Stephen Church of Amarillo, 4600 S. Western St. The family will greet visitors afterward at the church. The family suggests memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice benefiting children.