February 20, 1944 – August 24, 2024
Mary Francis Downs-Casillas, 80 years of age, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at her home in Okmulgee.
Mary was born on February 20, 1944, in Bristow to William Thomas Tyler and Sarah Elizabeth (Thornton) Tyler. She was the fifth of 10 children. She graduated from Beggs High School in 1962. She married Bob Downs in 1963, they went on to have four children, Bobby, Mark, Casi and Rayna. Bob and Mary were respected restaurant/business owners in the Beggs community. Mary also worked in the community as a school cook. After the unfortunate passing of Bob in 1990, Mary devoted her time to her four children, home, church and the Lord.
Mary met her second husband Dennis Casillas and the two were married August 8, 1992. Mary went on to be elected as the Beggs City Clerk, but later found her passion serving the community children as a “Lunch Lady.”
Mary devoutly served the Lord and donated her time to the Church of God of Prophecy, her church of 50 plus years. She boldly shared the gospel and Jesus’ love with everyone she met. Mary held the position of Sunday School teacher for over 40 years. In addition to her great love for the Lord, she also loved her family. She shared this love by hosting large family get-togethers, cooking large belly-filling meals, and she was always up to help with a birthday party or celebration. She enjoyed cooking, shopping, reading, gardening, junking, antiquing, camping and anything to be with her family.
Mary leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband Dennis; four children; five step-children, 29 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at McClendon- Winters Funeral Home of Beggs.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Church of God of Prophecy in Beggs. Interment will follow at Beggs Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon-
Winters Funeral
Home of Beggs. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Mary’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
