Jo Anna M. Downen – Eskew was born on, June 9, 1947-March 28th 2023, graduated from Francis J. Reitz High School. Her brother, Larry said, “She was a tough little girl, when she was younger, and continued to be tough.” She served the Evansville Police Department and Reserve Deputy with the sheriff’s department. Jo Anna was proceeded in death by her parents, Mary K. Downen and Merle E. Downen, brother, Timothy Scott Downen, daughter-in-law, Thalita A. Floyd Wingerter.
Survived by daughter, Jody K. Harkins Armstrong, son, Derick B. Wingerter, grandson, Benjamin L. Armstrong, brother Larry W. Downen ( Hilda), sister, Debi Niles ( Steven) and many nieces and nephews.
In January of 1980, she graduated from the Evansville School of Practical Nursing. She served others for over forty years using her skills to care for them as a dedicated nurse in the states of Indiana, Colorado, and Florida.
Jo Anna, was also the first female in Boonville, Indiana to be sworn as a reserve police officer. She also served as Vice President of the VFW ladies auxiliary. In her spirit of adventure, she rode a motorcycle with the Christian Motorcycle Association.
She dedicated her life to the Lord, serving others and her family. Jo Anna is on the mountains of heaven surrounded by the animals she loved so much here on Earth.
Hilda Downen says
Uncle Larry and I share in your sadness over the loss of your beloved mother. Jo was like the sister I never had and we shared many good times. Someone told me once that if God wakes you in the morning He isn’t done with you yet. And if He doesn’t then you have fulfilled His plan for you and He has called you home. That brought me a lot of peace and comfort when my Daddy passed a few years ago. So know that your Mom has fulfilled God’s plan for her and she rests now in his arms. Prayers for you, Derick and Ben.