Jean Ashabranner

Campbell, Mo.

Jean Ashabranner, 95, of Campbell, Mo., formerly of Manila, died Sunday, June 1, 2003, at General Baptist Nursing Center in Campbell. Born at Portageville, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Willie Sexton Downing. She was a graduate of Caruthersville High School and after receiving a MSE she began teaching in her own private kindergarten. Later, she became a teacher in the Manila and Campbell School Districts where she retired. For several years she served as Dean of Women at Young Harris College at Young Harris, Ga. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church having taught Sunday School and was a member of the United Methodist Women.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Bryant Stewart Jr., of Campbell, Mo.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence "Bud" Ashabranner; five brothers, Melvin Lee Downing, Joseph Preston Downing, William Edward Downing, Paul Shirley Downing and Charles Wesley Downing.

The funeral was held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Manila with Rev. Chad Downing Kingsberry and Rev. Craig Russell officiating. Burial was in the Manila Cemetery under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Manila.

Pallbearers were Eddie Adams, Chris Bauschlicher, Jerry D. Cherry, Brady Cornish, and Bryant Stewart, III.

The family requests that anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider the First United Methodist Church in Manila.