Obituary for
Joan Montgomery Downing (Neese)
Joan Downing, 83, of Salem, danced her way into the clouds on Sunday, March 27, 2016. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mrs. Downing also was a dance instructor at Roanoke College for many years, where she made a lasting impression on countless young dancers and their families.
She was preceded in eternal rest by her parents, Paul Herdon Neese and Pauline Montgomery Neese; husband, Conrad Jones Downing; daughter, Debbie Webb Rambo; and brothers, James Neese and Monty Neese. She is survived by her children, Robin Downing, Paul Downing, and Lane Downing; grandchildren, Jonathan Dove (and family), Lawson Webb (and family), Kathryn Poston (Chad), and Jordan Webb; and great-granddaughter, Carlee Poston; and numerous extended family members.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in Salem. The family will hold a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, 2800 Electric Rd. S.W., Suite 105C, Roanoke, VA 24018-3549. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com. The Downing family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.
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