Janice (Basham) Downey

Janice (Basham) Downey, 86, of Charleston, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 28, 2025, after a long illness. She was born on September 20, 1939, the youngest child of the late George and Margaret Basham of East Bank.

Janice was a 1957 graduate of East Bank High School and retired from the West Virginia Department of Employment Security in Charleston. She was a talented quilter, known for her beautiful handmade quilts and afghans, which she often donated to school and church raffles. Among her favorite activities were cooking family favorites—such as Chex Mix and chicken and dumplings—and spending time camping with family at the New River or shopping with her sister Phyllis.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, William Albert Downey of Charleston; her brother, Lonnie Basham of East Bank; and her brother-in-law, Bill Pomeroy of Belle.

She is survived by her sons, Bill Downey (Suzanne) of St. Augustine, Florida, and David Downey of Charleston; her sister, Phyllis Pomeroy of Belle (husband Bill, deceased); and her sister-in-law, Kay Basham of East Bank. She also leaves behind three grandchildren—Zach (Brittany), Cody (Kristin), and Madison (Ryan)—all of St. Augustine, Florida; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Rensford Baptist Church, Campbell’s Creek, on Friday, October 3, at 11:00-12:30 pm. Her final resting place will be at Sharon Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rensford Baptist Church, care of Pastor Dana Clay.

Special thanks are extended to her son David, who opened his home to his mother and devoted his days to making her final years comfortable, and to her faithful caretaker, Michelle Crowley, who lovingly cared for Janice throughout her final years.