Sarah Elizabeth Downs Jopling, of Shreveport, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024 at the age of 96. She was born Sarah Elizabeth Downs to Horace and Omie Downs on December 29, 1927 in Shreveport, LA. Her brothers were Herschel M. Downs and Donald Downs. She was a graduate of Fair Park High School (1944) and Centenary College (BA 1948). Her marriage in 1949 to William Leonard Jopling produced four children, Betty Lynne, John, Beverly, and James.

From 1965 until 1990, Betty was a teacher for the Caddo Parish School District where she taught home economics, history, and science. Outside of work, her hobbies included gardening, creating holiday decorations, and baking, especially desserts. She will be remembered for her love of her family, her devotion to her Methodist faith and her dedication to her career as a teacher.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Horace M. and Omie L. Downs of Shreveport; her brothers Herschel M. Downs and Donald R. Downs; and her daughter Betty Lynn Theriot of Gulf Shores AL. She is survived by her son, John C. Jopling of New Orleans, LA; daughter, Beverly G. Jopling of Bradenton, FL; son, James A. Jopling (Annie) of Monroe, LA; grandchildren, Jordan Jopling (Rebecca) of Baton Rouge, LA, Jeffrey Jopling (Lara) of Monroe, LA, Jonathan Jopling (Taylor) of Monroe, LA, and Joseph Jopling of Monroe, LA; and seven beloved great-grandchildren, Luke, Clark, Jake, Kate, Rivka, Max and Sheppard.

The family is grateful for the loving care provided by The Gardens at Georgia Tucker in Monroe during the final years of her life and the care-giving services provided by B&K Family Services.

Arrangements are being made by Kilpatrick Funeral Home, Monroe, Louisiana. A graveside service officiated by Rev. Dr. Wybra Price will be held at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield, Shreveport on Thursday, November 7th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Horace M. Downs Education Scholarship at Louisiana Delta Community College in Monroe.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Sarah "Betty" Elizabeth Jopling, please visit our Tribute Store.