Funeral held for pensioner found dead in her Downham home

The funeral of Jean (also known as Pat) Jobson, of Oakridge Road, Downham, took place at Hither Green Crematorium yesterday.

A murder investigation was launched after the 86-year-old’s body was discovered on February 20.

She had suffered head injuries.

Pat, who had two brothers and a sister, lost her husband Wally 11 years ago.

In a statement issued by her nephews Paul and Mark Montgomery and family members, they said: “The untimely death of our aunt has come as a major shock to us all.

“My aunt was in regular contact with my mum and would phone her, without fail, every Sunday.

“Every Sunday is a reminder of our loss.

“My aunt could appear to be very dominant when you first met her. She had a gruff voice and did not suffer fools. She was devoted to Uncle Wally, even after his death.

“Her other great passion was her dogs. She had several German Shepherd Dogs over the years, along with a collie and a retriever. The home was set up for their comfort.

“She did not scrimp on treats and toys for them.

“Whenever we visited, as children, she always had some treats stashed away for us. She was always there for us, but would not stand for any nonsense.”

They added: “It has been a great comfort to us to see the tributes paid by the local community to her from her neighbours to the local café Fat Bellys and the Downham Pet Store – who have organised a memorial for her that will be going into a local park where Pat would feed the birds.

“Pat always seem to prefer animals to humans whether it was her dogs, local cats, the birds or even feeding the local foxes at night.”

Karen Williamson, aged 45, of Rangefield Road, Downham, has been charged with her murder. She is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday (June 14).