Josephine Downing

Josephine Salvaggio Downing

Josephine 'Jo' Salvaggio Downing, 95, of Bedford (Fort Worth), TX, born August 28, 1928 in Steele's Store (Bryan, TX), died Monday May 27, 2024 in Tulsa, OK. Jo passed peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Jo began life on the family farm in Bryan but soon after graduating high school in 1947 attended business college and set out for an intrepid career with the U.S. Navy. While stationed in Pensacola, FL, Jo met her soulmate, Joseph James (J. J.) Downing. J.J. and Jo married in 1951 and began raising a family of five children. Jo was devoted to her family and loved hosting big family gatherings. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Jo was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, J.J. Downing and son, David L. Downing.

Her surviving family includes four children, Steve (Patti) Downing, Mary (Bob) Bettes, Kathy (Dennis) Anich, Patty (Don) Knox; daughter-in-law Anne Downing; five grandchildren Jennifer (Ward) Petersen, Michael (Ashlee) Branam, Doug (Kelli) Downing, Ben Knox and Josie Knox; two great-grandchildren Lyndon Branam and Becca Downing.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at schaudtfuneralservice.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 10:30 to 11:30 on Tuesday June 18 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 7421 Glenview Dr, Richland Hills, TX.

Mass to follow at 11:30.

Josephine will be laid to rest next to her soulmate at 1:45pm at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX.