Shirley A. Downes

She was born Dec. 2nd 1937 in Marlin, Texas to E.B. and Lillie Rodgers. She grew up in McClanahan, Tx. Where she attended school until transferring to Marlin for her high school years.

Shirley met the love of her life, Claude A Downes Jr. and they married Feb. 19th 1955. They began their life together in McClanahan, Tx. Where their first 2 children were born. They moved to the Odds community in Limestone County in 1957 and welcomed 3 more children over the next 4 years. Shirley wanted a big family as she had lost her only older sibling when she was 2 years old. Shirley and Claude had just celebrated 70 years of marriage on Feb. 19th, 2025. Shirley loved having all her family getting together,cooking, eating, and reminiscing about all of the years spent being together as a big family in a small house on the prairie of Odds, Tx.

Shirley was a member of the Eastside Church of Christ in Marlin, Tx where she leaves behind many who will miss her sweet smile.

A visitation will be held at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin, Tx on Sunday, Sept.14th 2025 at 1:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 2: 00 pm, with Roger Nutt officiating. Burial will be at Criswell Cemetery.

Shirley leaves behind her husband Claude Jr., son Gayland Downes and wife Kathy, daughter Nancy Dennis, son Greg Downes and wife Carla, daughter Nora Hunter and husband Randy. Shirley also leaves behind 7 grandkids and 9 great-grandkids, as well as many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Preceding Shirley in death were her parents E.B. and Lillie Rodgers, sister Bobbie Jean, son Gary Downes and wife Rhonda, and son-in-law Wayne Dennis.

Pallbearers; Colby Downes, Andrew Hunter, Brandon Funderburk, Clint Peery, Derek Rostockyj, Randall Long, and Adam Cunningham. Honorary pallbearers; Larry Fischer and William Fischer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Criswell Cemetery Association c/o Barbara Fox, 1400 E. Navarro Ave., Mart Texas, 76664