Londa Downs Powers Londa Downs was born in early December, 1924, in Paducah Kentucky, the 9th of 9 children. Her father delivered the mail by horse and wagon. Londa grew up doing some very difficult times including the Great Depression and the Mississippi River flood of 1937. She and her family had to escape the rising water by cutting through the attic ceiling and living on the roof for a few days before being rescued by boat. Her husband John was a pilot in the Navy whose plane went down twice during World War II. Londa was unsure during those events where he was or if he was even alive. John died at age 47 in 1969 and 24 years later, their son Mike died at age 47 also. Londa once rescued a friend from their burning apartment. The building was engulfed in flames and her friend, who was in his mid-80s, was wheelchair-bound and not able to leave through the door because of the fire. She went to the apartment, lifted and pulled him through a rear window, saving his life. She signed her eyebrows and hair and could have died in the fire. She was 75 years old at the time. This is one anecdote of many that represents just how strong and determined she was at heart. Despite having a very challenging life in many ways, she was always the life of the party. She was the consummate storyteller who never forgot a joke. She remembered them and was still telling her favorites well into her 90s. Londa was a graduate of Reidland High School where she was a cheerleader and a beauty. Her future husband John was also the lifeguard at the local swimming pool and that is where they met. They married one year later in 1941 just before John was commissioned and stationed at Amchitca Island in the Alaska Aleutians. They raised three children, Cindy, Mike, and David. After a short career with Continental Can Company, Londa settled in as a full-time mom. She was a den mother, Troop mother, team mother, and classroom mom many times over. She was always involved with her children's sports and school activities. Londa loved music, dancing, bowling, and golf. She enjoyed organizing dances and parties. As a single mother and grandmother, Londa (known as DoDo to her grandchildren and great grandchildren) held down multiple jobs after John died. She lived independently for decades. She was delightful sitter, marvelous entertainer, and an inspiration to all her charges. She is preceded in death by all 8 siblings, husband John, and son Mike. She is survived by Cindy Wamble, son Dave, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. A Celebration of her life will be held by the family at later date.