Maria C. Downs

Date: August 02, 2018

Mother’s smile was very contagious and could warm anyone’s heart. She is now with the Lord’s arms wrapped around her. She went to be with her Heavenly Father. After a courageous battle against cancer. “A Golden Heart Stopped Beating, two Smiling Eyes at Rest, God Broke our Heart to Prove to us, He only Takes Best.”

Maria was born in Tynan, Texas on September 29,1935, to Gregorio Casares and Anita Garcia. After meeting Alexander Downs from Robstown, TX they fell in love and married on January 25, 1958. They settled in Corpus Christi, TX to begin their lives together and start their family.

Maria gave birth to five wonderful daughters who had the honor of calling her mom and grandma. Maria was a dedicated Homemaker and was always known for her home-cooked meals. Homemade flour tortillas made from scratch, famous sugar cookies, homemade German Chocolate Cake and Lemon, Meringue Pie. Maria also had many home remedies that she used to help cure and treat the children on a regular basis. Maria never missed a game where her kids were competing, and she was always there to nurse the bumps and bruises that resulted. She loved dancing, traveling, sewing and watching her favorite team, Dallas Cowboys.

Maria was a full-time mother to five, a devoted and loyal friend, but she was “Mom D” to all of her children’s friends. Her door was always opened wide to offer delicious meals, generous counseling and wise advice to them.

Generous with her time and talents, Mom served her community without hesitation. She taught CCD classes in her garage, she sponsored numerous children in their Christian education and achievement of Catholic sacraments, she supported her children and their PTA Officer- President at Cunningham Middle School. Her one goal as President was to get a tennis court for Cunningham. She worked really hard and succeed at it. She worked as a Poll Worker on Election Days. Mom pretty much said, “Yes!” to anyone who asked for her help.

Maria was courageous. She stared illness in the face and leaned on her faith to help her through. She was beautiful, smart, kind, loving, generous, and brave. Her walk with Christ was authentic and set a great example for her family. Her compassionate nature warmed those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Maria is welcomed in Heaven by her parents Gregorio Casares and Anita Garcia, her in-laws Deputy Sheriff Alexander S. Downs and Andrea Pineda, her brother Benito Casares, her sister Margarita G Hernandez, stepson John Alexander Downs, son-in-law Harold Jeter. She took a piece of our heart with her. She leaves behind her family to cherish her memories forever. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Alexander Downs, one stepson, Ruben (Lydia) Downs of Portland, TX, stepdaughter-in-law Norma Downs from Garland, TX five daughters all of Corpus Christi, TX Diana Downs, Lillian Downs, Lucinda (Lupe) Iglesias, Karen Jean (John) Garza and Andie Jeter (Ernie Uballe) Two brothers Ramon (Barbara) of Royse, City, TX and Lupe Garcia of San Antonio, TX. Mom was deeply enamored with her 15 grandchildren, who brought her so much joy and love. Valerie Deleon (Rodney Mims), Barbara Deleon, Joshua Garza, Alexis Garza, John Garza (Amanda Sanchez), Cassandra Iglesias, Samantha Jeter, all from Corpus Christi, TX, Harold Glen Jeter II from Tacoma, WA, Lisa (Donny) Carty from Garland, TX, Tara (Richard) Payne from Rowlett, TX, Jene (Cody) Morgan from Forney, TX, Andy (Erica) Downs, and Michael Miggy Downs from Brooklyn, NY, 11 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-laws, Godchildren, and cousins.

Our Gratitude and appreciation to Fr. Pat Donohoe, Fr. AL, Mel & Staff From Holy Family Catholic Church. MCCI Staff on S. Port Ave., Dr. Gerard Voorhees & Staff. The members of the Schoenstatt, Rene Zavala Sr.(Hilda Montes) and Manuel Zavala for praying the Rosary weekly.

The last weeks of mother's life were so blessed by the special care given by her daughters and grandchildren who provided her with great care and comfort over the last several weeks.

Thank you is not big enough. And a very heartfelt thank you to Veronica, Shelby, Stephanie, Tracy, Isabel, Nadine, Nurses Rosalinda, Lee, and Lori CNS's Josie, Elida, Nadine, and Shelby, Chaplain Abel all the staff of Kindred Hospice for making this difficult journey one of dignity and ease.

A gathering of Maria C. Downs’ life will begin at 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. with her Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m., August 7, 2018 at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2509 Nogales St. Corpus Christi, TX 78416. Interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Mom’s favorite saying: Que Dios te bendiga, te amo!!!

Diana Downs

Daughter

Lillian Downs

Daughter

Lucinda Iglesias (Lupe) and their daughter, Cassandra (Cassie)

Daughter

Karen Garza (John) and their children, John Jr, Jouhua, Alexis Garza

Daughter

Andie Jeter, and her children, Samantha, Harold Glenn ll

Daughter

Ruben Downs (Lydia)

Stepson

Valerie Deleon – and her children, Brianna, Angel, Robert

Brianna (Carlos) and their son, Josiah

Granddaughter

Barbara Deleon - and her children, Kylise, Jazzy

Granddaughter

Lisa Carty (Donny) - and their children’s, Sierra, Kirsten

Granddaughter

Tara (Richard) Payne- and their children, Kelsey, Ashlyn

Granddaughter

Jene Morgan (Cody) - and their son, John

Granddaughter

Andy Downs (Erica) – and their daughter,

Eva Luz

Grandson

Miggy Downs- Grandson

Norma Jeane Downs - stepdaughter-in-law