ALLERTON – Janece A. Downs of Allerton passed away peacefully on Sunday (July 24, 2016) after seven years a cancer survivor.
Born on July 27, 1949, in Decatur to Orville and Eloise Jurgens, she married David Downs on Dec. 28, 1968. He preceded her in death on March 26, 2016.
She is survived by her sons, Doug (Dawn) Downs of Tolono and Rob (Amy) Downs of Champaign; a brother, Steve (Joyce) Jurgens of Arthur; grandchildren, Samantha and Justin Downs; and several nieces and nephews.
Janece was raised on her family's farm near Arthur and graduated Arthur High School in 1967. She then attended Southern Illinois University and Danville Area Community College.
Janece dedicated her life to serving her family and others in countless ways. She was a school and church volunteer for many years while raising her own children before beginning a career in government service in 1988. She worked for the USDA Farm Service Agency and Social Security Administration, both in Vermilion County, before retiring in 2009.
Janece and David were also farmers and champions for agriculture throughout their lives. She developed a lot of strong friendships with her co-workers and others she met in organizations through the years, and she touched the lives of many.
In her retirement, her passion was spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing bridge, traveling with friends, Bible study and volunteering with churches in Sidell and Allerton.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 29, at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, also at the funeral home in St. Joseph, with burial at Fairview Cemetery, Newman, immediately following.
Memorials may be made to the Allerton United Methodist Church, Sidell United Methodist Church or Broadlands Community Church.
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