Betty Ann Downing

Betty Ann Downing passed away at the age of 97, peacefully at her home in Atchison, Kansas on October 22, 2025.

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 Ann was born September 2, 1928, to Thomas and Leona Clayton her parents preceded her in death. She was the youngest of six children born in this union.

Those who have gone before her include three brothers, Carl Clayton, Thomas Clayton, Harold Clayton, two sisters Mary Ellen Perry, Elizabeth Hill, her children Clarence Jackson, Oliver Vernon Jackson, Bernadette Jackson, Jesse ( Wayner)

Downing and Linda Sue Downing, grandchildren Mari Taylor, Jessica Poole, and Lamar (Simba) McCants.

Betty Ann was a lifetime resident of Atchison and attended Lincoln School.

During that time, Lincoln school was the first fully integrated school, and the school's mascot's name was The Atchison Kittens. She was crowned Miss Atchison and featured at the Atchison Globe in a horse and carriage in 1955.

Betty Ann was a woman of extended faith and loyalty. She was a member of Campbell Chapel AME Church where she served as a Stewardess, Missionary, Choir, Young People's Department and fundraising.

She worked for twenty-three years at Atchison Childcare Center until she retired.

She was very loved and known by the children as Mrs. Jackson. She was blessed with nine children and two bonus children and lots of grandchildren to love and spoil.

She was most proud of being a Mother and Grandmother who truly enjoyed the family gatherings, celebrating & dressing up in her different costumes for the different holidays, winning 1st prize every time.

She began her adult journey in life with Oliver Jackson Sr. They later divorced. She later married Jesse Downing Sr with whom she shared forty-five years together.

She loved making crafts, made all the family t-shirts by hand. She made all the Easter baskets for the grandchildren using milk jugs with pink floppy ears. She made all the grandchildren's Christmas stockings and ornaments.

Her earlier years she loved bingo and was a member of two social clubs, Sunday Supper Club. & The Jolly Seven Club. They held carnivals, cake walks, games, relays, and all types of fun things at LFM Park for the children in the community. TV Game shows were her daily entertainment; Price Is Right, Let's Make a Deal, Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud were her top choices. She was also known for her Spaghetti, Salmon Salad and Homemade Strawberry Pie were popular items at potluck and family dinner.

Betty Ann leaves behind two sons, Maurice Jackson, Sacramento, California, DWayne Jackson Downing, Topeka, Ks. Four daughters; Jerry Jean Finney, Atchison, Ks., Linda Thomas, Louisville, Ky., Corrine Jackson, Des Moines, la. and Theresa May, Atchison, Ks.

She shared an extraordinary relationship Rev. & Mrs. Vernon Winfrey, Kansas City, Mo.

Betty Ann lived to see six generations in her family and the pride of her life the distinction of 100 plus grandchildren with 23 grands, 63 great grands, 36 great-great grands, 3 great great- great grands with a host of nieces and nephews left to honor and continue her legacy of love.