Mary Downs Lander Fordyce

Unknown - Mar 9th, 2007
  • Birth Date: Unknown
  • Death Date: Mar 9, 2007
  • Funeral Date: Unknown
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Biography: Mary Downs Lander Fordyce, widow of Col. John Rison Fordyce Jr. died March 9, 2007. Born in Fayetteville, AR June 29, 1911, she was daughter of Mary Fort Hamilton and Roswell Sears Lander and sister of Andrew Hamilton Lander. Her colonial ancestors were William Brewster (MA) and Henry Downs (NC). Early in marriage she became a war widow with four children and in spite of this went on to form a strong family. She had a great sense of adventure, lived an expansive life and traveled most of the world. She believed in giving back to the community and inspired others to do the same. Downs attended schools in Tennessee and Little Rock, joined First Presbyterian Church in 1921 and attended Camp Junaluska in NC receiving their top honor. Graduating from Little Rock High School (1928), she attended Agnes Scott College two years and was counselor at Junaluska. Transferring to the University of Arkansas, she joined Chi Omega (vice president) and graduated with a BA in 1932. Summers she was a counselor at Camp Waldemar where she instigated the Ideal Girl award. Following college, Downs was employed by Pfeifer’s and Cohn’s Department Stores and volunteered with the Junior League. Downs married Jack Fordyce in Little Rock on February 1, 1936 and became mother to his two children, Lillian and John. The births of Mary and Ross completed the family. The family pioneered camping on Lake Hamilton. When Jack’s 154th Observation Squadron was activated in 1941, the entire family with dogs, swings, bikes, etc. moved 18 times as they followed him to military bases. In 1942 when Jack left for the invasion of North Africa ( WW II), his family returned home. He became the first American commander of the French airbase at Casablanca. In 1943, Jack died when his bomber crashed in Algeria. Downs valiantly carried on, assisted by family and many devoted friends. Downs considered her greatest accomplishments were as mother to four active children and later as grandmother to twelve. She passed on her love of nature, sports and travel. She took them camping on Lake Hamilton, YMCA of the Rockies and at organized camps and accompanied some on overseas trips. She taught by her excellent example. In business, she was an active partner of Shearman Concrete Pipe Co. and the Fordyce Bath House; she served 1949 to 1955 as a representative, counselor and Junior Director of Camp Junaluska for Girls; and she owned and directed the Junaluska Travel Club and Traveldowns, escorting worldwide tours 1958 to 1986. As a proponent of giving back to the community, she was a civic and cultural leader, holding offices on the boards of First Presbyterian Church Women (president), Junior League (president), Girl Scouts (Camp Chairman), PTA, Colonial Dames, Aesthetic Club, Shadowlawn Garden Club (President), Red Cross, Visiting Nurse Association, Elizabeth Mitchell Home and Ada Thompson Home. She also belonged to Chi Omega Alumnae, Second Friday Book Club, the Sewing Club, the Dodos and Country Club of Little Rock. She served on the Pulaski County Quorum Court. Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother and two grandchildren, Downs is survived by four children, Helen Lillian Fordyce Blackwell, San Antonio TX; John Rison Fordyce III and his wife Linda, Little Rock; Mary Hamilton Fordyce Allsopp and her husband William, Little Rock; and Ross Lander Fordyce and his wife Danna, Hot Springs, AR; twelve grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and eleven step-great- grandchildren. At her home and her lake cabin, she provided a lifetime of memories for all. The family is indebted to the staff of Presbyterian Village Healthcare for their loving and professional care in Downs’ final years and also, before that, to personnel at Parkway Heights. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at Ruebel Funeral Home, followed by memorial services at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Howard Gordon. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to First Presbyterian Church, 800 Scott St., Little Rock, 72201; Presbyterian Village, 500 Brookside Dr., Little Rock, 72205; the Firehouse Hostel & Museum, P. O. Box 2753, Little Rock, 72203; or to the charity of the donor’s choosing. Cremation and service arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(08)
Nan Ellen Dickinson East
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
To John and Mary, and families, I was one of the many campers Downs took to Camp Junaluska, and one of my ancestors was also William Brewster, perhaps the same William Brewster who came over on the Mayflower. I send my sympathy to all Fordyce family members and am thankful for the times my family and I were able to share with Downs through her remarkable life.
Elsie B. Stebbins
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Clay Bolton
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear John,
Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences at the death of your step mom. While I'll be uable to attend either the visitation or her service, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
I realize that no one can share the full extent of your sense of loss; however, know that others care and are certainly experiencing some sense of your grief. Losing a mother creates a void that is impossible to fill. However, with God's grace and love He can help you deal with your grief.
BeBe & Pinkney Deal
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Caroline Polk Sorrels (Tala)
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
As a member of the Polk side of the family, I remember the Fordyce family and how much fun we had as children. I always admired Downs so much, and I know that she will be missed by each of you. My love and prayers go out to you.
Tala
holt Mcconnell
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
C.C. "Chip" Culpepper
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire family. I am truly humbled as I read of her inspirational, bountiful and life-affirming actions. She leaves a void in this world that clearly will never be filled.
Jim and Mary Collins
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Extending our sincere sympathy.

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