Betty R. Downs

Betty R. Downs of Savannah and widow of John “Jack” Kight Downs passed away Monday morning, January 1, 2024, after a 12-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She had just turned 96 on December 12, 2023.

Born Carolyn Elizabeth “Betty” Rogers in Savannah and raised in Meldrum, Ga., she was a daughter of the late Bernard “Red” Franklin Rogers and the late Julia Smith Rogers.

Betty graduated from Marlow High School in 1944, Andrew College in 1946, and from St. Joseph School of Nursing in 1949. She married Jack on September 3, 1949. They purchased their house in the Oakdale Subdivision in what is now mid-town Savannah in March of 1957. Betty was the last of the original homeowners in the subdivision, living there for over 66 years. She started her career in 1949 with Telfair/Candler Hospital working in the Nursery as the Head RN of the 11 to 7 (Night Shift) full time until 1993 (44 years) and then 10 years part time before full retirement. Betty was responsible for the Preemies and Neonatal Babies for most of her career. She was an animal lover, having many dogs, cats, and fish during her life. Betty was a member of White Bluff Methodist Church, where she volunteered with different church groups to visit others who were in nursing homes and/or hospitals. At White Bluff she was also a member of the Dorca Circle and the Jubilee Sunday School Class. Betty always wanted to help others in their time of need.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert “Bobby” Bernard Rogers.

Surviving are her three adult children: daughters, Cathy Downs Luther (Scott) of Monroe, NC and Carol Downs Clanton (Nancy Neff) of Cartersville, GA and son, John William Downs of Savannah, GA; four grandchildren, Julie Cauble Davis & Michael, of Mint Hill, NC, Anthony (Tony) Cauble & Rachel of Monroe, NC., Charles (Chip) Clanton (Aaron Linker) of Atlanta, GA, and Casey Clanton of Greensboro, NC; four great-grandchildren, Sadie Griffin, Kevin Benson, Jake Cauble, and Noah Cauble all of NC, and one great-great-grandchild, Mason Whitmore of NC.

Betty was under Home Hospice care on & off since 2016, with her longest stay with Spanish Oaks Hospice and ending under Pruitt Home Hospice. Her family would like to thank the many who helped with her long-term care over the years. A special thanks to Drew Corbett (Chaplain) and Lori Shindell (Social Worker), both of Spanish Oaks Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 11 o’clock Saturday morning, January 13, 2024, at White Bluff Methodist Church – 11911 White Bluff Road, Savannah, with the family receiving friends at the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to donate to the local Humane Society and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please share your thoughts about Betty and her life at www.gamblefuneralservice.com .

Gamble Funeral Service of Savannah is in charge of the arrangements.