Sadie Price Downs

Mrs. Sadie Price Downs passed away at her home in Ripley, MS on August 3, 2026, at the age of 77. Sadie Price Downs was born March 2, 1949 to Cecil Price and Lucille Lester. She was a graduate of Booneville High School. While a student there, she met the love of her life, Jimmy Dale Downs. They were married after high school graduation and celebrated 51 years of marriage until he was called home in 2017. Sadie had one sister, Cecelia Tollison….. who passed in 1999. Sadie’s children are Dana Horton(Jimmy) and Berkley Downs(Monica). But the true joy for her was her 3 granddaughters….. Sada Reese Horton, Ali Jae Horton, and Becca Rose Downs. They truly are what she treasured in life. She made sure they knew she loved them dearly. Sadie was a part of the very first program to introduce teacher assistants into public schools here in MS. She absolutely loved the job and knew that’s what she was called to do. So with her own children being elementary school aged, she set out to get her teaching degree. She attended night school and summer school at Northeast MS Community College and later Blue Mountain College, where she eventually graduated in 1988. No one could have been more proud of her accomplishments. She then embarked on a 26 year career with Ripley Elementary School teaching mainly 1st grade and driving a bus. So many children and fellow teachers through the years have been impacted by her love, compassion, and sometimes discipline. She leaves behind a teaching legacy that still endures. Sadie had many hobbies she enjoyed on her summers off from teaching. She was an avid gardener…. Often transplanting things to her yard she found growing in the wild. She loved golfing, and had many fun times, trips and memories with her special golfing group of ladies. Their friendship meant so much to her. She loved her church and church family especially….. she was a long time member of Ripley First United Methodist Church, and spent many years there working with Sunday school, bible school, and up until recent years, absolutely loved helping with meals for the Wednesday night youth program. Her biggest contribution at her church though was helping with the foundation of Noah’s Ark Preschool and Daycare. When this program was started back in the 1990’s she was the chairperson for the board and remained there for many years. She was so proud of the service that Noah’s Ark provided for our community. It was truly a passion of hers. Sadie leaves us with a legacy of a life well lived……. She has always been a servant spirit. She has cared deeply for her family, neighbors and community. Her legacy and impact will live on with her children and grandchildren. Officiated by: Rev. Dr. Jody Hill The family would like to say a very special thank you to the care we have received these last few months from Tippah County Hospital and Rehab and especially from Gentiva Hospice and from some wonderful ladies who helped take care of her in her final few weeks. They truly were a Godsend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations instead to Noah’s Ark Preschool and Daycare c/o Ripley First Methodist Church.

Sadie Price Downs

March 2, 1949 - August 3, 2026