Diana Downing Chappell

Mrs. Diana Rae Downing Chappell, 80, of Cross City, Florida, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 29, 2023, surrounded by family and friends at her home. Diana was born May 30, 1943. She attended Dixie County High School, where she was crowned Miss DCHS in 1958. She graduated with the DCHS Class of 1961. Diana married John “Leamon” Downing on February 17, 1962. They were married for 53 years. Diana graduated from cosmetology school in Perry, FL in 1970 and in 1972 became the owner/operator of Cameo Beauty Salon, where she worked for 45 years until 2017. She retired from hairstyling and began working in real estate. In 2004, she opened Downing Realty and worked there until she retired. Diana remarried on February 21, 2016 to William “Bill” Chappell. They were married for 4 years. Diana loved her Lord. She was a member and pianist at Central Baptist Church in Cross City, FL. Diana was talented in so many things. She enjoyed making beautiful flower arrangements, decorating for church events, teaching Sunday School, being a prayer warrior, and most especially, playing the piano. Throughout the years, she served as pianist at Lydia Baptist Church, New Prospect Baptist Church, and several others. She also served as pianist for many years for The Jubilee Gospel Singing Group. Diana had a heart for serving others. She was never too busy to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She was known for being one of the best cooks in Dixie County and loved to cook for her whole family. There was seldom an empty chair around the table and always so much food the table wouldn’t hold it all. Diana is preceded in death by her parents, Junius Alby and Olif Futch Downing; her biological mother, Angie Lasco; brothers, Wreat Downing (Hazel), Leonard “Chuck” Downing (Virginia), Lester Downing (Lorena), James Downing (Lillie), Junius Martin Downing, Mike Stevens and Mitch Stevens; sister, Martha “Veta” Downing Macy and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by her sisters, Peggy Kunkle (Mark), and Kelli Heffernan (Tom); sister-in-law, Jo Allie Downing; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved with all her heart. A special thank you to her caregivers, Stacey Downing Chewning, Crystal Fahr Ellison, Marcie Byrd, Jodi Spurlin, Ariel Spurlin, Jackie Roark and Judy Dyals, and all of the Haven Hospice staff. Funeral services for Diana will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with Pastor David Downing officiating. Burial will follow at the New Prospect Cemetery in Old Town. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Diana Downing Chappell

May 30, 1943 - July 29, 2023