Dorothy Louise Gardner Downs DOVER - Dorothy Louise Gardner Downs, died Thursday, May 27, 2010, at Kent General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was 90. Dorothy was born in Wilmington, Delaware on December 2, 1919 the daughter of William Stidham Gardner and Almira Bell Gardner. She graduated from Smyrna High School in 1937 and from Beacom College, now Goldy Beacom College, in 1938. She worked as a secretary for the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1930's and 1940's and as a secretary for the OSI at Dover Air Base in the 1950's. She married the love of her life, Earl Roberts Downs, in 1942 and they lived in Smyrna, Delaware. She made planting and promoting of Delaware trees especially the Holly tree a priority. She was the first woman chairperson of the Governor's Forestry Advisory Council and in that role she was instrumental in winning the National "Take Pride in America" contest. She was appointed to the Forestry Council by Governor's DuPont, Governor Castle, and Governor Carper serving for 14 years. She organized the planting of hundreds of trees throughout Delaware. She was a President of the State Federation of Woman's Clubs and wrote a book about this wonderful organization. As a former Board member and trustee for the Kalmar Nykle Foundaton, another of her passions, she raised funds and wrote letters to get the ship built. She was also a loyal member of the Delaware Historical Society, the Delaware Nature Society, Asbury Methodist Church, and Faith Family Church, and JBM/SHS Alumni Association. She was named a distinguished Alumni of Goldy Beacom College. Dorothy Downs was a role model for her family and friends. She loved her country, the American flag, and the Republican Party. She was a faithful follower of Jesus becoming a believer very early in her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl Roberts Downs, who died in 1990 and her sister Ella Mae Gardner Hurst. She is survived by her daughter Debbie Wicks and her husband George Wicks, III, her grandchildren George Wicks, III, and his wife Benita, Patti Bishop and her husband Charlie, Katie Wilber and her husband Eric, and her great grandchildren Brandon Bishop, Sam Wicks, Sophia Wicks, Madeline Wilber, Alivia Wilber, Isabella Wicks, Ryla Wilber, Jacob Wilber, and Evangeline Wicks. Nephews Elliott Downs and his wife Sue, Kevin Downs and his wife Pat, Art Hurst and his wife Susan and the late Alex Hurst. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 31 at 1 p.m. at the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 South Main Street, Smyrna, Delaware. Visitation will be Sunday night, May 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday at 12 Noon. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna, DE. Contributions may be made to Asbury Methodist Church, PO Box 330, Smyrna, DE 19977 or the Kalmar Nykel Foundation, 1124 East Seventh Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com