Rosetta Downing (SOUTHEAST)

Rosetta Downing - Born: March 10, 1949 – Rayville, Louisiana, Richland Parish. Birth Parents: Silas James Lancaster, Sr. and Estena Thomas Lancaster. Adopted at an early age by Willie Andrews Robinson & Marguerite Herbert Robinson. She received Christ at the age of 5 and was baptized by the late Rev. James Stewart, Pastor of Pine Hill Baptist Church, Rayville, LA. At the age of 12 she moved her membership to St. Paul Baptist Church, Rev. Ernest Jones, in Start, LA. She attended Rosenwald Elementary / Eula D. Britton High School in Rayville, LA and Grambling University in Grambling, LA. She moved to Washington, DC in 1969 where she married Duke Thomas Downing in Palmer Park, MD. Two children were added to their union, Estina and Duke. She moved to Louisville, KY in 1978 were she united with Bates Memorial in 1980 under the pastorate of Rev. E. M. Elmore (Pastor) & Rev. Ronald L. Bobo, Sr. (Associate Pastor). She worked in various ministry positions. She was ordained in 2000 by Rev. F. Bruce Williams as a Deacon. Retired from Bates Memorial as Business Office Manager in 2011. After her retirement she remained active in the Choir, Decision Counselors and Deacon’s Ministry until her death. On Monday morning, March 23, 2026 she was called from earth to Glory to receive her eternal reward. She was preceded in death by her parents: Silas and Estena Lancaster and Willie and Marguerite Robinson, her sisters: Lucy Lancaster, Annie Mae Andrews, Etta Lee Randle and Daisy Langston; brothers A.V. and Silas Lancaster, Jr., Robert Lee and Willie Piper. She leaves to cherish her memories: one daughter Estina Y. Downing (Mark Smith) of Kentucky, one son Duke Thomas Downing, III (Alma) of Georgia; Grandchildren: Kristina Chatman (Devantre), Devonte’ Jones, Sydney Jackson (Aaron), Jazmine, Amari, Tristan and Trinity Downing. Great Grandbabies: Miracle, Nova, Macario, Zaire, Myla and Emerson, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She will be missed but her memory will forever live on in our hearts. Visitation: 10am-12pm Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Bates Memorial Baptist Church, 620 Lampton St., funeral service to follow at 12pm.

Rosetta Downing (SOUTHEAST)

March 10, 1949 - March 23, 2026