Betty Ann Downing, 97. Atchison, Kansas died Wednesday October 22, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services will be Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church with interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Saturday from Noon until time of services at the church.
Betty was born September 2, 1928, in St. Joseph, Missouri the daughter of Thomas and Leona Hannah Clayton Moore. Betty attended school at Atchison High School.
She and Jesse V. Downing were united in marriage on August 12, 2001, in Atchison, Kansas. Mr. Downing preceded her in death on September 11, 2001.
Betty served in childcare at the Atchison Child Care for over twenty three years until her retirement.
A woman of extended faith and loyalty she was a lifelong member of the Campbell Chapel A. M. E. Church where she served as a stewardess. Betty also participated as a member of the Atchison Juneteenth start up and served on the committee.
Survivors include two sons, Maurice Jackson, Sacramento, CA; Dwayne Jackson, Topeka, KS; four daughters, Jerry Finney, Atchison, KS; Linda Thomas, Louisville, KY; Corrine Jackson, Des Moines, IA and Theresa May, Atchison, KS; she has over one hundred grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by children, Oliver Jackson, Jr.; Clarence Jackson; Bernedette Jackson; Linda S. Dudley; Jesse W. Downing; and grandchildren, Mari Taylor; Jessica Poole and LaMar “Simba” McCants.
