Jane Harris Downey

DURHAM Lifelong Durham resident, Jane Harris Downey, passed away December 2, 2017. She was born on November 26, 1930 in Durham, NC to the late Isham G. Harris and Nellie Bell Weatherly. Jane attended Oak Grove School from first grade to twelfth grade, where she was a cheerleader and secretary of the Student Council. She was baptized at Olive Branch Baptist Church when she was nine and then moved her membership to Durham Memorial Church later in life. On April 29, 1948, Jane married Jack Ross Downey in Chesterfield, SC. Jane was a great jitterbug dancer and won a contest in1946. As a dedicated employee, Jane worked at Goldkist Poultry as an accounting clerk for 20 years. She is remembered by all for her kindness, her open door, and bottomless pitcher of sweet tea. She was a wonderful friend, wife, mother and grandmother who always was fun, loving and engaging with children.

Jane is survived by her loving husband of 69 years Jack Downey of Durham, daughter Wanda Lorbacher (Pressley) of Durham, Ray Downey (Jennifer) of Stem, and Jay Downey of Butner, sister Marie H. Currie of Clayton; seven grandchildren, Angie Fowler (Shane), Jack Lorbacher (Karen), Ashley Lorbacher, Jason Downey, Brandon Downey (Christina), Blake Downey and Gracie Rae Downey and four great-grandchildren, Kayla Fowler, Jordan Downey, Nolan Downey and Elena Lorbacher.

Jane was preceded in death by her son, Gary Downey of Durham, brothers Clifton Harris of Durham, David Harris of Durham, and sister Marian H. Dean of Florida.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens. Pastor Bobby Weatherly will officiate. Pallbearers will be Jack Lorbacher, Jason Downey, Brandon Downey, Blake Downey, Shane Fowler and Larry Johnson. Honorary pallbearer will be Billy Johnson.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 4, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home. Flowers are acceptable. Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com.