of Conway, AR

January 24, 1931 - October 3, 2017

Wanda Fay Downs Ford, 86, of Conway was called home by our Heavenly Father on October 3, 2017, four weeks after the death of her dear husband Jim. On the night of Jim's passing she suffered a heart attack that weakened her and would soon take her to join her beloved. She was born January 24, 1931 near Corning, AR to G.P. and Leona Downs, who preceded her in death. She was the youngest of eight children in the Downs family. She is survived by a son, Michael King (Kelley); grandchildren Tiffany King and Zachary King(Janis); and great grandchildren Chloe King, Royal Gleaves, Torre Brotherton, and Declan King.

Wanda began to practice the piano at an early age and wanted to use her musical abilities to glorify God. At age 32 she moved her family to Conway to begin her formal education at Central Baptist College and later, State College of Arkansas (now UCA) where she earned her M.M.E. She served as pianist, organist and vocalist for over 40 years at Central Baptist Church and played and sang for the Harvest Gleaner/LifeWord religious ministries broadcast. She taught voice and piano privately and at Central Baptist College, where she later served as the executive secretary to the president. After her retirement she served on the Governor's Sentencing Commission and briefly worked at Central Church in the office.

She always maintained strong ties to the church, and the people of Central Church cared for and protected Wanda and Jim to their final days. Our family is also indebted to Conway Regional Medical Center for the marvelous care she received in the CVICU, especially to Carolyn, Marilyn, Jill and Robert. Our thanks, as well, go to the staff of Salem Nursing and Rehab.

Visitation will take place at Central Baptist Church Saturday, October 7 at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11. Bro. Don Chandler will officiate. Memorials in memory may be made to Central Baptist Church or LifeWord Ministries.

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