Betty Jo Downing

Betty Jo Downing, age 81, of Marion, passed away at Riverside Methodist Hospital, on Friday, June 20, 2025. Betty was born on December 4, 1943, in Ruleville, MS, to the late John A. and Lucy (Greer) Collins.

Betty was a graduate of Ruleville Central High School. After graduation, Betty moved to Chicago, IL for a brief time; but then moved to Marion, OH and on July 8, 1967, she married the love of her life, Frank Downing. Betty and Frank remained married until his passing on June 4, 2021…just a month shy of 54 years of marriage. In 1975, Betty symbolized her dedication to Jehovah God by water baptism, and she was a faithful servant of him until her death…nearly 50 years. During their time together, Betty and Frank owned Complete Janitorial Services for more than 40 years. Betty chose this type of work so that she could spend more time with her
three children and make a comfortable home for her family. Betty was an excellent cook who was known for her fried chicken, potato salad, sweet potato pie, German chocolate cake and peach cobbler. She also loved to play cards and was a great Bid Whist and Euchre player. Because she loved children, Betty oftentimes served as a back-up babysitter for friends and family. She also loved gardening and vacationing with her family. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Betty participated in the door-to-door ministry and conducted several home Bible studies. Even after she was immobile, Betty still participated in the ministry by witnessing to those who visited her at the nursing facility. She even had a display of Bible literature in her room for anyone who wanted to learn about Jehovah and his purpose for the earth.

Left to cherish the memory of Betty are daughters, Kimberly L. and Kysha L. Downing of Marion, sister, Elsie Smith of Dublin, OH, brother-in-law, Ed (Susanne) Wilson of Marion, sister-in-law, Edith (James) Collins of Chicago, IL, a host of cousins, nephews and nieces, as well as her furry four-legged family companion, Mabel Louise.

Betty was preceded in death by son, Kevin L. Downing, sisters, Mary Ella Bolton, Julia Winters, Estella Mason, and Sarah Wilson, as well as brothers, Jesse, John Jr., Jefferson, and James Collins.

The Family would like to give special thanks to Marion Valley Post Acute, Marion General Hospital ICU, and Riverside Methodist Hospital ICU for their excellent care and support.

The memorial services for Betty will be held on July 12, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at the Marion Harding High School, 1500 Harding Hwy., Marion, OH 43302, with Jason Miller officiating. The family will be receiving guests one hour prior to the memorial service. The Boyd Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family of Betty Jo Downing in their time of mourning.

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