Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.
One of southern Ohio’s all-time basketball greats and greatly loved individuals, has passed away.
Kelly Downs died at her home Monday from cancer, following a battle with the disease over the last few years. She was 53-years-old.
Downs was an All Ohio basketball player at Southeastern High School, currently ranking third on the SVC’s all-time scoring list with 2,235 points. Kelly was a long-range shooter and played in an era where there was no three-point arc, which would have certainly added to her career total had it been active when she played in the early to mid 1980’s.
In her senior season of 1985-86, Kelly Downs led the Southeastern Lady Panthers to a state runner-up finish, setting state records at that time for the most points in a two game appearance. In the state semis, she scored 38 points and followed with 37 in the state championship game, where they fell to Tip City Bethel.
Kelly went on to play college basketball at Morehead State University, where she is currently ranked 13th on their all-time women’s basketball scoring list with 1,313 points- an average of just under 12 points per game. By the time she played at Morehead State, the three-point arc was implemented, where she connected on 124 over her 111 game career, placing her 4th on the school’s all-time list.
Kelly went on to become a school teacher for many years.
Downs’ life was devoted to serving Jesus Christ through her testimony to anyone she came into contact with, becoming a friend to all who knew her. Kelly was also a great lover of animals and spent countless hours with her pets and working with causes to help neglected animals.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11am, Saturday, August 21st in the Southeastern High School Gymnasium. Private graveside committal will follow in Londonderry Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9am until 11am Saturday at the gym.
Arrangements are being handled by Haller Funeral Home.
I did not know Kelly, but she was an amazing person and great athlete. I can only hope that we have many more great people to follow in her footsteps. RIP Kelly and fly high.
Kelly will always have a special place in my heart, She would write my Daughter Beth Ann every week, even when she was so busy ,even sent her a College T-shirt with her name on it God has gained another angel WILL BE MISSED BY ALL
Rest In Peace beautiful soul