A Celebration of Life and Visitation for Britt will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 5, 2023 at the First Baptist Church of Northern Heights located at 6311 N.W. Waukomis Drive, Kansas City, MO 64151. Britt Adair Walker Downing, 36, of Parkville, MO passed away Monday, May 1, 2023 with her loving family by her side. Memories of Britt and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Britt Adair Walker Downing was born in Kansas City on February 16th, 1987 to Janet L. Walker Downing and Russell L. Downing Jr. Britt was active in youth sports and passionate about ballet. She enjoyed spending summers traveling on road trips to fun destinations with her family. Little did everyone know that those road trips – squabbling siblings crammed in a minivan without air conditioning, complete with a grandmother in the front seat wielding a fly swatter aimed at Dane with amazing accuracy – would end up being some of the most cherished and humorous memories. Britt attended Park Hill School District and graduated from Park Hill High School in 2005. She furthered her education by attending The Kansas City Art Institute where she earned her degree in New Media. Britt followed her pursuit of artistic passion by also attending school abroad in Toronto, with a focus in Film.
Britt will be deeply missed by her mother, best friend and biggest fan – Janet. They spent countless days and nights traveling the world, going to shows, talking about life and sharing their love of music and art. They truly shared a bond deeper than mother and daughter.
Britt was loved and adored by her father, Russell, and will be eternally missed. She will always be his baby girl, running excitedly to greet him in his truck after a long day’s work. Family dinners and gatherings will be forever changed without her light to brighten the room.
A sibling’s bond is a dynamic rollercoaster. Britt and her brother Dane were different people, but they always had each other’s back and would have moved mountains to help each other. Childhood scuffles, hugs, and laughter will be cherished memories that Dane will carry for a lifetime. Dane protected her in life, and will continue to be her protector.
Britt spent Wednesdays and Thursdays with her Grandma Millie. Together they read stories, listened to music, shared life experiences, and had many laughs. They truly enjoyed and looked forward to spending time with each other.
Britt’s artistic spirit also translated into a deep love of music. In 2011, The Bad Ideas made their debut in the Kansas City music scene. Britt and her bandmates became powerful punk icons in the hearts of Kansas City and beyond. Their vocalist, Breaka Dawn, recounts Britt shredding on the guitar, working countless hours to organize tours and make connections, while creating flyer art in a way only Britt could. Her love of music also brought her and Christian LaBeau together. Britt and Christian could be found working together at Josey Records or deejaying at local events with their collection of vintage vinyl.
Britt was a genuinely kind and gentle person. She was never heard saying a disparaging remark about anyone. She found it easy to strike up conversations that resulted in instant friendships and lasting impressions. Others recount that Britt always made them feel important – that Britt made others feel like they really mattered. Kindness transcended into her love for animals. She loved countless small companions such as her cats, dogs, and chinchillas. Anyone who was close to Britt also knew of her beloved cat, Bonk.
Tributes and condolences have flooded in from the around the world. Articles and features quickly surfaced in local news and radio stations. Seeing how many lives were touched was comforting and inspiring to the people closest to Britt. Her family is so proud of how loved she was, the many stories that have been shared, and by all the lives she changed. Britt was an authentic person.
Britt’s spirit is carried on by her parents, Janet L. Walker Downing, Russell L. Downing Jr.; stepmother Monique Downing; spouse Christian LaBeau; brother and sister-in-law Dane and Megan Downing; nephews Devlan and Barrett and niece Remi; grandmother Millie Walker; beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. Britt’s spirit is also carried on through her band/family The Bad Ideas; bassist Matt Roberts, drummer Joe Sitler, and vocalist Breaka Dawn; the music and art communities, and countless friends.
In memory of Britt, we are asking that charitable donations be made to Midwest Music Foundation. They provide healthcare grants to musicians to help our local artists. https://midwestmusicfoundation.org/donate/
Donations of new or gently used pet care items can be brought directly to one of the many area KC Pet Project locations.
In memory of Britt – Say something kind to a stranger today. Make someone feel like they matter.
ROCK ON BRITT!!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!
My heart aches for the family. There are no words of comfort that I can offer. I am truly saddened by this unexpected loss for Britts family. My hope for closure comes with knowing how vital she was to the community and all she offered.
Prayers for all as you grieve the loss of Britt.
I had the pleasure of teaching Britt art in the fifth grade. She was a very kind, caring and talented young girl. I am so sorry to hear that she has passed, many blessings to the family.
My deepest condolences to the Russel, Janet, and Dane and family. Sending all my love and sympathy.
A beautiful spirit full of kindness & love. I’m so sorry l wasn’t aware of the date this service & found out too late. I didn’t think it would happen so soon & wanted to give her loved ones some space. I hope they can forgive me not attending because l will have a hard time doing so. To all of her loved ones my deepest sympathy!
My heartfelt sympathy to you for this tragic loss. Praying for God to comfort your heart through it all with a peace that passes understanding. Lynn