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Virginia Downing
05-19-2026

Virginia Downing, age 81, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at Avera Dougherty House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her loved ones.

Virginia Carlson was born on June 7, 1944, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Adrian Carl Carlson and Ruth Ann (Eaton) Carlson. She grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island High School in 1962.

Following graduation, Virginia worked at a local flower shop in Grand Island. That same year, she began her career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. On June 13, 1964, she married Jerry Downing of Kearney, Nebraska, and together they made their home in Grand Island.

On December 31, 1972, Virginia and Jerry welcomed their only child, a son, Brian Downing. In 1979, the family relocated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Virginia continued her career with Northwestern Bell and its successor companies. She dedicated 38 years of service before retiring.

Following her retirement, Virginia worked as a night clerk at the Brimark Inn in Sioux Falls for an additional 12 years.

Virginia found great joy in crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching. She was an avid reader throughout her life and amassed a large collection of novels. She also had a special love for dogs and cherished the many companions she cared for over the years.

Virginia is survived by her son, Brian Downing of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; four granddaughters; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Linn Downing; her brothers, Jim Carlson of Grand Island, Nebraska, and Eugene Carlson of Texas; her sisters, Cathy (Carlson) Meyers of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Carol Carlson, of Grand Island, Nebraska; and her parents, Adrian and Ruth Carlson.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD. A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date.