Agnes Waisel (Gentry) Downing

Our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Agnes Waisel Gentry Downing of the Willows, Kilgore, formerly of Longview was welcomed in the gates of heaven by her loving husband, daughter and other relatives in the early morning hours of July 22, 2024. She was born on March 6, 1926 in the Brooks Community of Panola County, Texas. She was the youngest of five, being the only girl born to the union of Samuel Turner Gentry and Alta Steger. At age ten, her and her four brothers were orphaned when their parents were killed in an automobile accident that her and her twin brother survived. She moved to Tyler, Texas to live with her aunt Vada Maxwell and husband. She graduated from John Tyler High School and when she turned 18 she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to live with her brother and wife. She then moved to Longview to live with her brother's mother-in-law, Mrs. Whitehurst. She met and started dating a young LeTourneau College student Arthur Downing. They married June 3, 1948. To their union was born two children, Sherry and Jerry. She worked a few years for Southwestern Bell as a switchboard operator, then after marriage became a homemaker. Her mission in life was to care for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She very much enjoyed doing her needlepoint and sharing her craft with family and friends. She loved her family and her bonus family, the Whitehursts.
She is survived by her son Jerry Downing (Debra) of Longview; Grandchildren Troy Moore (Shannan) of Longview, Kenneth Black of Quinlan, Kendriel Presley (Roy) of Longview, Meredith McAlister of Richardson, Shelby Morey (Jared) of Longview; Son-in-law, Joe McAlister of Kilgore; Great grandchildren, Traven Myers, Cody Downing, Cameron Pemberton, Brilee Moore and Sydnee Stubblefield; 4 great-great grandchildren, several nieces & nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years Arthur, her most caring daughter Sherry McAlister, parents and brothers Wendell, Doris, Charles & twin brother Wayne.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of The Willows where she resided for the last eleven years and to Three Oaks Hospice of Longview that gave her special care during her last few weeks.
Visitation will be held at Cammack Family Welch Funeral Home in Longview on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, July 25 at Waldrop Cemetery, CR 236 Beckville, Texas.