Terrell, Texas - Gwendolyn J. "Gwen" (Loftis) Downs went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 7, 2026. She was born February 4, 1951, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Albert Glenn Loftis and Helen I. (Atchison) Loftis.

Gwen grew up in Muskogee and later moved to Kearney, Missouri, where she graduated from high school. She returned to Muskogee and worked at Phoenix Federal and as a 911 dispatch operator for the Muskogee Police Department before moving to Austin, Texas. She later retired from Texas Child Protective Services.

Gwen made her home in Texas with her husband, Michael Downs. She was his closest companion and one of God's greatest earthly blessings in his life. Early in their marriage, Gwen helped lead Michael back to Christ, for which he remained forever grateful.

For many years, Gwen struggled with renal and heart disease, but she never complained. She faced hardship with strength, courage, grace, and gratitude. She remained thankful for the extra life God gave her and cherished traveling, camping with her great-grandchildren, and time with her beloved family.

Gwen had a special place in her heart for her great-grandson, Blake, whom she and Michael lovingly raised from birth until he was adopted into the Gibbons family, whom Mike and Gwen loved very much, of Chad, Amanda, Natalie, and Lily. Her relationship with Blake continued for many years and remained very precious to her heart.

Gwen was grateful for the care she received from Baylor Heart Hospital and Baylor Medical Center in Plano, Texas, and from Fresenius Kidney Care in Frisco, Texas, whose home dialysis support helped give her a better quality of life.

Gwen was a member of York Street Christian Church in Muskogee. She was a wonderful cook, loved family gatherings, enjoyed crafting, and was always there to help in any way. She was a loyal friend, a strong woman, and one who took charge when things needed to be done.

Michael will miss Gwen greatly. His mother, Penny Downs, often said Gwen was the best thing that ever happened to him, and Michael often told Gwen his mother was right.

Gwen was preceded in death by her mother, Helen I. McDaniel; stepfather, Doyl McDaniel; brother, Glenn Loftis; and great-granddaughter, Aaliyah Peper.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Downs of Texas; daughter, Melissa Rush Peper of Texas; stepsons, Robert Downs and Mark Downs of Muskogee, Oklahoma; sister, Laura Bathgate and husband David; three grandchildren, Alyissa, Shawnie, and Chance Peper; two great-grandchildren, Blake and DJ; and three nephews, Aaron Loftis, Sage Bathgate, and Tate Bathgate.

A private family celebration of life will be held. Interment will take place at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Gwen's family takes comfort in knowing she is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and they hold fast to God's blessed promise that through Christ's finished work, they will see her again.

In lieu of Flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Gwen J. Downs.