Obituary of George Jay Downing

George Jay Downing, age 88, passed away December 7, 2022. He had lived in Sewell (Mantua Township) for the past 56 years. Born November 15, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the younger of 2 children born to George Norman Downing and Clarice Edna Crooks. When he was 3 years old, his family moved to Hi-Nella in Camden County, where he spent his youth. George graduated from Haddon Heights High School. He enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean conflict and served overseas in the 51st fighter-interceptor wing. Following Korea, George was transferred to El Paso, Texas, where he met Sharene "Sherry" Hope Higgins. They were married on March 6, 1956 in the Mesa Arizona temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. George earned an M.Ed. (1966) and a B.S. (1960) at Brigham Young University. He became an educator, teaching at Sterling High School (1960-1964), Pitman High School (1966-1969), and Gloucester County College (1970-2005). George had a passion for helping others. He served as a lay clergyman in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his entire adult life, most notably as Patriarch of the Cherry Hill New Jersey Stake (1990-2022) and Bishop of the Mantua Ward (1982-1987) congregation. He personally ministered to dozens of people each month—old and young, sick and well, widowed or in families—in their homes, at hospitals, or wherever they were. He loved to sing, and was a longtime member of the Sewell Ward choir. He was an avid reader and writer. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, frequently corresponding with those who were away from home. George was preceded in death earlier this year by Sherry; they had been married for 66 years. He is survived by seven children: Thomas Downing (Cindy) of Sewell; Melissa Burton (Bob) of Grain Valley, Missouri; Laurie Flores (Mario) of San Tan Valley, Arizona; Jared Downing (Sarah) of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Lucinda Berge (Gerald) of Blue Springs, Missouri; Richard Downing (Nancy) of Austin, Texas; and Elizabeth Kellum (Brady) of Clayton; 27 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a niece, Joanne Bryson, of Williamstown; and two nephews, David (Mary) Bryson of Magnolia, and Richard (Kathleen) Bryson of Blackwood. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Temmermand, and a grandson, Luke Burton. Friends and relatives are invited to attend services at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 259 Lambs Rd., Sewell, on Monday, December 12. Visitation and viewing: 9:30-11am, followed by the funeral, and then interment at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Williamstown. Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.