Gwenda Whately Downing, of Troy, passed away on March 6, 2026, in Temple, Texas. She was 88 years old.

Gwenda was born on November 24, 1937, to Frank and Lorene Lucky Whatley in Temple, Texas. She graduated from Temple High School in 1956 and from Mary Hardin Baylor with a degree in Elementary Education. She married Chester Edwin “Dub” Downing, on May 31, 1958. They made their home in Troy, Texas, where they lived and raised their two sons, John and Douglas.

Gwenda started her teaching career in Troy but ended up teaching with Temple ISD for the majority and remainder of her career. She loved teaching and loved every student that she had the opportunity to work with. Her students also loved her. Gwenda was even awarded the Golden Apple Award for “Outstanding Teacher of the Year”. After retiring, she continued to work with students by tutoring from her home.

Gwenda loved welcoming her five precious grandchildren as they got off of the school bus each afternoon. They enjoyed the warm welcome as they rushed into the house and were greeted by the smell of freshly baked cookies as she helped them complete their homework. Gwenda enjoyed following her grandchildren across the state and country to their sporting events, rodeo competitions, and livestock shows. She also enjoyed traveling with Dub as he made deliveries until he retired. Gwenda loved gardening, working outside in her yard, cooking, baking for family and friends, and decorating beautifully for the holidays, especially Christmas.

Gwenda was a Christian and a faithful member of First Baptist Church Troy. Her faith in Jesus and trust in the Bible remained firm to the end, and we rejoice in knowing that she now is healthy and whole again praising Jesus in heaven.

Gwenda is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dub Downing; and her son, Douglas Downing.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, John Downing and wife Carla; daughter-in-law, Shellie Downing; grandchildren, Trinton Downing, Clayton Downing, Raley Downing, Ashleigh (Downing) Magness and husband Morgan, and Chance Downing; great-grandchild, Archer Magness; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00AM, at First Baptist Church Troy, with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00AM. Following the service, Gwenda will be laid to rest at Roberts Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Canyon Creek Memory Care facility and the Amedisys Hospice Care team.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Baptist Church of Troy.