Barbara Ann Downard Looney

AIKEN, SC - Barbara Ann Downard Looney died peacefully Saturday, September 30, 2023. She was 88 years old. Barbara was born on October 16, 1934 in Dubuque Iowa as the middle of five girls to Benjamin Ross Downard and Lillian Ferguson Downard. Barbara married Edward Eugene Looney April 15, 1954. Ed was in the Air Force.

Their Air Force family was stationed at many places across the country and Barbara was active, both working and raising their two sons. Through the years, she was an office manager or bookkeeper on base, for various small businesses, and for World Championship Tennis. Barbara was active in her churches, most recently First Presbyterian Church in Aiken SC, First Methodist Church in Normangee TX, and Webster Presbyterian Church in Webster TX – she was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, served as executive secretary of the National Presbyterian Mariners, participated in choir and bells, and was choir director in Normangee Texas. Barbara helped in founding the Charles and Marie Geelan Community House, a nonprofit that supports senior citizens in Normangee TX by providing daily lunches and a safe environment for socializing, learning, and entertainment. Barbara was active in the PEO Sisterhood for almost 40 years as a member of Chapter EB in Texas and Chapter B in Aiken SC. Barbara was secretary and then president of her local Lions Club in TX and was active in Lions Club service work. Barbara was the librarian of the Normangee TX public and middle school libraries and continued as librarian at Cumberland Village library when she and Ed moved to Aiken in 2012.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Ed, her older sister Phyllis Joslin, and her youngest sister Carolyn Fraker. Barbara is survived by her oldest sister, Edna Knox and her younger sister Thelma MacNamara, her two sons; E. Ross Looney and Brian Looney, her grandchildren; Brandon Looney, Audrey Looney, Tamara Looney and Shannon Fleming, and her great-grandchild; Linus Fleming.

In Lieu of flowers, Barbara requested that memorials be sent to Children’s Place, 310 Barnwell Ave NE, Aiken, SC 29801.

A private prayer-internment service for family members will be held in the Columbarium at First Presbyterian Church in Aiken SC. A memorial service celebrating the lives of both Barbara and Ed will be held at Webster Presbyterian Church in Webster TX – the dates and times of the memorial service will be announced in the future.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Benton House of Aiken and Enhabit Hospice for their love and compassionate care for Barbara.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.