Verda Louise Estes Downs was called home by her Lord and Savior on January 24, 2026. Known to her family and close friends as Nookey or Aunt Nookey. She is strolling the streets of gold with Gayle, the love of her life.
Verda was born on February 17, 1937 in Paducah, KY to Rockford and Bernice Estes Sr. Born during the ’37 flood meant the doctor had to be brought in a boat for her delivery. She worked as a bank teller, accounting assistant, and administrative assistant. She retired from Paducah Head Start. After retirement, Verda worked part-time at East Baptist Church.
Verda was a member of East Baptist Church where she taught the adult women’s Sunday School Class for years. She served as secretary for the Teachers Credit Union. While her children were in school, she served as a room mother, PTO officer, and led multiple fund-raising activities. Verda attended Shady Grove Elementary School where she was able to skip 3rd grade. She graduated from Reidland High School then continued her education at a secretarial school in Nashville. As needed, Verda would update her skills taking courses from Paducah Community College and Murray State University.
Verda was recognized by the Paducah River City Business and Professional Woman’s Club as one of its first class of Women of Achievement. She always fought for causes and people she believed in. She took notes during every church service. Verda enjoyed cooking, especially pecan pies which she would share with friends. Her cornbread and biscuits were favorites of her family.
Verda is survived by daughter, Lisa Stephenson and her husband Pat, and son, Todd Downs all of Paducah. She is also survived by sister-in-laws, Sandy Holland (Paul), Clara Downs, Misty Spencer, and Loretta Downs; nine nieces and nephews, as well as several great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Gayle Downs, her brother and sister-in-law, Rockford (Bo) and Marie Estes, father and mother-in-law, Byron and Ruth Downs, and brother-in-law, Ronnie Downs.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Hughes Funeral Home in Paducah with Pastor Michael Wooley officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Paducah.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to service time Monday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations made to Mercy Health Hospice Paducah, 225 Medical Center Drive, Suite 203, Paducah, KY 42003; Cassidy’s Cause Therapeutic Riding Academy, 6075 Clinton Road, Paducah, KY 42001; or East Baptist Church, 2985 Old Husbands Road, Paducah, KY 42003.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.hughesfuneral.com.
Hughes Funeral Home in Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
