Eleanor Downing

Eleanor LeCount Smith Downing, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, at Ayers Health and Rehab Center in Trenton, Florida. Born on January 16, 1937, in Archer, Florida, Eleanor was the cherished daughter of Russell H and Clementine L Smith. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Lloyd J (Buddy) Smith, and her granddaughters Melissa and Marissa Tumlin. Eleanor's life was a testament to love, devotion, and faith. She was married to her soulmate, Samuel Lee Downing, for an inspiring 71 years. They were united in marriage on September 4, 1955, in Archer, Florida, and together they built a beautiful family and shared a lifetime of memories. Eleanor is survived by her devoted husband Samuel Lee, her loving children S Lane Downing (Michelle), Donna M McClelland (Roy), and Deana L Tumlin (Thomas). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Alisha Cassidy (Lee), Russell L Downing (Angela), Denielle Lucas (Timothy), Taylor Cole (Tanner), Georgia Sphaler (Aulbre), Jordan Downing, Jennifer L Cramer (Marc), Tristan R Morrison (Kori), Kyle A Morrison (Ashley), Jessica A Joiner (Jason), Jakob W McClelland (Melissa), T Brandon Tumlin (Rebecca), Travis J Tumlin (Kellie), and Heather M Cruz (Peter), Jennifer J Sheppard (Travis) as well as 32 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. A graduate of Williston High School in 1955, Eleanor dedicated much of her life to being a nurturing homemaker and a source of unwavering support for her family. She occasionally worked in schools, where her kind spirit and caring nature touched many young lives. As a member of the Crystal River Church of Christ, Eleanor was deeply committed to her faith and strived to live a godly life filled with compassion and positivity. Eleanor was known for her warm smile, her love of fun, and her kind words to everyone she met. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She had a passion for baking, often delighting her family with beautifully crafted cakes for birthdays and anniversaries. Her talent in the kitchen was matched by her skill with a needle, as she began sewing at the tender age of eight and continued to sew, knit, and crochet throughout her life. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Tri-County Nursing Home, Ayers Health and Rehab Center, and Haven Hospice for the love and care they provided to Eleanor during her final days. Eleanor was deeply thankful for the compassion shown to her. A celebration of Eleanor's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 5, 2026, with Visitation at 12:00 PM at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home, located at 1301 N Young Blvd., Chiefland, Florida. Her family invites all who knew and loved Eleanor to join them in honoring a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith. Eleanor LeCount Smith Downing will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to her family, and her unwavering faith. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Chiefland Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050.

Eleanor Downing

January 16, 1937 - May 27, 2026