Sarah Proffer

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Sarah "Mimi" Downs Proffer, 93, passed away Friday, Oct. 10, 2014, at her home in Sikeston surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Feb. 24, 1921, in Wyatt, Missouri, to William Morgan and Emma Bertha Raidt Downs.

Sarah co-owned and operated Proffers Bi-Rite grocery on Malone Avenue. She also operated a rental housing business in Sikeston many years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sikeston and believed dearly in our Lord and Savior.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother who relished every minute spent with her family. Her greatest joy was spending countless hours preparing meals for family gatherings and holidays. Her culinary and baking talents were well known and appreciated by all. An avid gardener, she looked forward to every spring and summer preparing and willingly sharing her garden bounty with family and friends. Other activities included traveling and attending St. Louis Cardinals baseball games.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory a daughter and son-in-law, Emma Jane and Dr. Richard Tipton of Gordonville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Lynn and Francine Proffer of Germantown, Tennessee, Larry and Phyllis Proffer of Wylie, Texas; a brother, Billy Downs of Kansas City, Missouri; four grandchildren and their spouses, Natalie Proffer (Robert) Allen of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Justin L. Proffer of Kirkwood, Missouri, Teri Proffer (Brandon) Benham of Murphy, Texas, and Tim (Kristi) Proffer of Allen, Texas; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin L. Proffer and Jackson C. Allen; a nephew, Lloyd Alan (Elaine) Downs of Kansas City; and longtime loving companion, Robert Mackie.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a half sister, Leola Bryant Hopgood; an infant sister, Betty Sue Downs; and a brother, Tommy Downs.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of funeral at 1 p.m. Monday at Ponder Funeral Home. The Rev. Geoff Posegate, pastor of First United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Dogwood Cemetery in Dogwood, Missouri.

Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1307 N. Main St., Sikeston, MO 63801, or Southeast Hospice, 10 Doctors' Park, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, or charity of donor's choice.