Mrs. Barbara Ann Downing Lumley, known to many as “Bobby,” died July 21, 2019, in Onancock. Mrs. Lumley was born in Eastville Aug. 4, 1942, to Otho William “Friday” Downing and Mozella Woods Downing. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Diana Carol Lumley, of Parksley; brother, Otho William “Bill” Downing Jr., of Seaford, Del.; nephew, Keith Downing, of Martinsville; nephew, Jamie Willis, of Eastville; her loving companion and partner, Wayne Bell, of Quinby; close family members, Wendy Bell, George and Dee Colonna, and Ruby Downing; and many great-nieces, greatnephews and cousins. Mrs. Lumley always made time to visit and celebrate important moments in the lives of family and friends. She is known to all for her gorgeous smile and unique and infectious laugh. She will be greatly missed. Mrs. Lumley was preceded in death by her parents, Mozella and Otho Downing; her husband, Charles Lumley; her mother and father-inlaw, Gladys and James Rutherford Lumley; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Willis; niece, Debbie Colonna; and nephew, Larry Willis. She served the federal government her entire career and received many outstanding service awards. She is fondly remembered by the people she worked with. Mrs. Lumley was a leader in the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), and contributed significantly to help further education and equality for women.
Mrs. Lumley was a member of Smith’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Quinby. She graduated from Northampton High School in 1960 and attended Mary Washington College for one year. The staff at The Hermitage (now Commonwealth Senior Living) have lovingly cared for Mrs. Lumley and formed a special bond with her daughter, Diana. Mrs. Lumley was a positive influence on people her entire life. A Remembrance and Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 2 p.m. at The Hermitage (Commonwealth Senior Living), in Onancock, with the Rev. Robert Fletcher officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or Eastern Shore Food Bank, P. O. Box 518, Onley, VA 23418. Online condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.doughtyfuneralhome.com Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
