Mrs. Helen Marie Atkins Downs, age 83 of Hope passed away, Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in Hope. She was born in Spring Hill, Arkansas on September 11, 1933 to Kennie V., Sr and Ruby Reid Atkins, both of whom preceded her in death.

Mrs. Downs is survived by her husband, of 62 years, Charles Edward Downs of Hope, two sons; Dr. Michael R. Downs, and his wife, Mary Lou , Mitch Downs and his wife, Sandie all of Hope, a brother; Kennie V. Atkins, Jr. of Hope, five grandsons: John Hooker and Jeanne of Hot Springs, Tony Hooker and Holly of Hope, Anthony Downs and Ginger of Hope, Charlie Downs and Sarah of Diana, Texas, Chris Downs and Mary of Louisville, KY ,  ten great-grandchildren and other family members and friends.

She was retired from the Area Agency on Aging, where she worked as a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Social Worker. She was a Charter member of St.  

John United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Hospitality Committee, and President of the Ann Born Society, which was a group of ladies from the church that quilted for themselves and the public. The youth of the church will always remember her for her home-made chocolate chip cookies.

Mrs. Downs spent many years as a volunteer with the Charitable Christian Medical Clinic, where she assisted indigent patients to obtain free medicine from various pharmaceutical companies. It is estimated she saved the patients over half a million dollars each year.

Her main hobby and passion was sewing. She loved to make dolls, Muppets, stuffed toys and doll clothes, which she usually gave away. Many children in Hope and the surrounding area are the proud owners of one of her Mellon Patch Dolls.

Next to sewing she loved to travel, she always looked forward to her husband’s next assignment and visited many states; Europe and Hawaii. After her retirement, she and Charles, along with her brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Earl and June Downs traveled during the summer. They visited every state in the continental United States, plus Canada and Mexico.

Memorials in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. John United Methodist 814 North Hervey Hope, AR 71801.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00pm, Friday, March 24, 2017 at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest Funeral Home 1001 South Main St. Hope, AR.

Funeral service will be 2:00pm on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Miller and Rev. Danny Dunlap officiating.  Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Hope.  Arrangements are by BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie BRAZZEL, Director.  Online guest register: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com