Janet M. Downing

Janet M. Downing was born to Rosetta S. Smith Holloway and George Leon Smith on February 4, 1939, in Joliet, Illinois. Janet accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Joliet, IL.  She joined her heavenly Father, Our Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. She was a graduate of Joliet Central High School.  She married her high school sweetheart, James R. Downing (deceased, June 1, 2017) and they were married for 59 years and blessed with two sons, James Downing II and Kevin Downing.  She did volunteer work at the Food Kitchen Homeless Shelter; and always passed on knowledge.  She worked 43 years in the County Clerk’s office, property taxes; the only long-term black in that department.  She loved to cook and take care of people if needed.  She always enjoyed working on beauty contests and style shows.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Shirley Jefferson, Lois Walton and Carolyn Tramel; one brother, Norman Leon Smith and her husband, James.

She leaves cherished memories to her two sons; nieces and nephews; sisters, Alice, Gloria, Junie and brothers, Bobby Claude and Wayne.

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