Lula Elizabeth Wells Downs, age 83, of Frankfort, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Born in Crab Orchard, Kentucky, to Taylor “Dick” Wells and Gladys Burkhart, she carried deep family roots from Leslie County throughout her life.
Lula was known for her remarkable ability to figure out and accomplish almost anything she set her mind to. After many years of service with the Kentucky Department of Local Government, she retired from state employment. Earlier in life she had worked in retail, briefly in a factory, and as a housekeeper, bringing the same meticulous care to every task. She took great pride in her home and garden, where her yard bloomed with a vibrant array of flowers and colors that reflected her love of the outdoors.
Above all, Lula cherished her family and her faith. She served joyfully as the Sunday School teacher for the youngest children at Bellepoint Baptist Church, where her genuine affection for little ones was evident. She deeply loved her husband, Joe, and their three sons, John, Stevie, and Tony, as well as her siblings and their families, who remained close to her heart.
She is survived by her sons John Patrick Downs and Anthony Gene “Tony” Downs and his wife Beth; grandchildren Matthew and Darlene; three great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Lula was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Patrick Downs; her son Steven Mitchell “Stevie” Downs; and her sisters Ruth and Nola Gene.
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