Clara Jo Ann Downer

Clara “JoAnn” Downer, age 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 24, 2021. JoAnn was born on November 24, 1934 to Robert and Elsie Dulli. JoAnn lived most of her life in Hamilton, Ohio. Growing up she spent many of her summers at the Shera family farm, which was her happy place. JoAnn graduated from Hamilton High School and spoke fondly of her high school years, her friends, and especially going to dances at Sportsman’s Tavern. JoAnn was married for 16 years to John F. Downer. JoAnn raised her children with an abundance of love and an undeniable devotion to them. She taught her children to be kind, to treat people with respect, to work hard, have fun and above all, to love. Throughout her life, JoAnn was the epitome of a career woman, devoted to working hard and building close relationships with her colleagues. She worked at Fiehrer Motors for 30+ years and took great pride in her work. JoAnn considered the Fiehrers and her colleagues as her family too. JoAnn’s love of accounting and numbers, like her father (who was one of her very favorite people), led her to a second career at H & R Block. She started there as a tax preparer but soon became an office manager, instructor and an enrolled agent. She worked there for 20 years, developing close relationships with both her colleagues and her clients. Her clients spoke highly of her and appreciated the time and energy she spent with them. JoAnn was the biggest fan of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She came to countless baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football games as well as swim meets, dance recitals and concerts. She was often seen at her grandchildren’s schools attending events and often picking them up when needed. She loved her grandchildren and was very proud of them. JoAnn was a lifetime learner and even took a photography course so she could become the “official” family and team photographer. She enjoyed many hobbies as well, including: ceramics, gardening, sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, cooking, baking and politics. She also loved her pets and had many dogs and cats during her lifetime. Most recently she loved her cats and they gave her much joy and companionship. She enjoyed going out to dinner with her family, although dessert was her favorite part of the meal. She was fiercely independent with great business instincts and always gave sound advice, no matter what the subject matter. She will be forever missed and loved by her three children, Lisa Thomas (Steve), John Downer (Linda), Beth Hickman (Guy), her grandchildren, Nicole Thomas (Ethan Weitzman), Ben Thomas (Lindsey), Chelsea Yorio (Joseph), Holly Hornfeck, (Jared), Victoria Thomas, Nathan Thomas, Alec Hickman and Grant Downer, her great-grandchildren, Uriah, Lilly, Evan and Knox Thomas, Joseph Yorio, Everly and Milo Hornfeck, she also was very excited to learn most recently that she was expecting two more grandchildren this spring. She loved and cared for her three siblings, Robin McManus (Chuck), Linda Debello (Andy) and Bob Dulli (Robin), being the oldest of four she felt a great responsibility and love for her siblings and they for her. In addition to many relatives and friends. Her life was fulfilling and meaningful — a legacy of love to be carried on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to: Joseph’s Legacy Animal Rescue, PO Box 3, Middletown, OH 45042 or donate on line @josephslegacyrescue.org Please join our family and friends to celebrate JoAnn’s life on Thursday, January 6, between 6:00 and 8:00 pm at The Hamilton Elks Golf Club (Private Banquet Room) 4444 Hamilton Middletown Road, Liberty Township, OH 45011. Beverages and appetizers will be served. www.websterfuneralhomes.com All COVID precautions will be followed