Linda Eklund Downs passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the age of 77.
Linda was born on December 13, 1947, in Moss Point, Mississippi and became a resident of Spanish Fort, Alabama in 1977. She was a graduate of Moss Point High School and worked for International Paper until 1981. Linda was a certified polling official for the State of Alabama, as well as a substitute teacher in the private school system. She was a faithful member of Faith Family Fellowship, formerly known as Old Spanish Fort Baptist Church in Spanish Fort, Alabama. While a member, Linda gave her time and talents by volunteering to work for Mom’s-Day-Out, teaching English as a Second Language, working in the children’s nursery and with the Prodisee Pantry. Linda cherished time with her family and affectionately became known as “Noni” after becoming a grandmother. She had a love for cooking and always provided fantastic holiday meals, using passed-down family recipes.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Larry Downs, and parents, Walter and Helen Eklund.
Linda is survived by her sons, Russell (Jamie) Downs of Jackson, GA and Randall (Ashley) Downs of New River, AZ; sister, Darlene (Steven) Derganc of Oceanside, CA; and her grandchildren, Davis and Helen Downs of Jackson, GA and Nora and Amelia Downs of New River, AZ.
There will be a visitation with family and friends on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 6PM – 8PM at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Faith Family Fellowship, 7100 Spanish Fort Blvd. in Spanish Fort, AL, at 10AM. Pastor David Sullivan will be officiating. Interment will be at the historical Finnish Lutheran Church Cemetery, 3900 Finland Avenue, Moss Point, Mississippi 39562 at 12PM.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Our hearts are broken. Linda is everyone’s favorite person.
Our prayers are with you Rusty and Randall.
I am so sorry to hear about this. Always loved Linda and Larry. Linda was always telling funny stuff. Prayers to the whole family..
Sweet Linda, you will be missed by many of us who love you. Prayers for Rusty, Randall, and family.
Rusty, Randall & Family: Your mother was so special. Remember her smile, her kindness, her generosity. Remember her laughter and her beauty. Keep all those memories close to you and her sweet spirit will live in your heart and be with you forever. There are no words to bring you comfort right now, but I pray for your peace in the days ahead. Your parents were so proud of the young men they brought up.
Such a beautiful and special friend. Precious memories of her. Sending prayers to Rusty and Randall. (We’re so sorry to miss the visitation and service due to being out of town.)
What a beautiful, talented lady Linda was and a great friend to all who knew her. John and I have many fond memories of Larry and Linda at Old Spanish Fort Baptist. I know she will be truly missed. Our condolences to Rusty and Randall and their families.
I was so sorry to hear about Linda’s death. No one could make me laugh like Linda! I loved her and know so many will miss her.
Know Jesus is saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant…welcome home.”
Rusty and Randall-you are in my prayers. God bless you dear boys.
In my head, Linda will always hold a place as on of the most talented story tellers I’ve ever known. In my 20s I had the extreme pleaser of meeting and working with Linda in Mom’s Day Out. There we developed a friendship through her stories and experiences, along with her advice to me, a young new mother. She was what we in the South call “a hoot”. Linda, Larry, and Randall became some of our greatest friends and held a place in our world as some of our favorite people. The last time I got to see Linda and Larry was at Randall and Ashley’s wedding. They were so happy and proud of their boys and grandchildren. They loved Jesus and loved people. I am thankful for what they have meant to my life over the last 30 years.