Dolores Downey Gustin

Dolores Downey Gustin, 87, of Athens, passed away on September 22, 2025, in Tyler. She was born on March 2, 1938, in Leroy, Texas, to Ralph Matlock and Mamie Ruth Reed Downey.

Dolores was raised in Shallowater before making Athens her home 40 years ago. She was a kind and gentle soul with a heart of gold, known for her warm spirit and sweet nature. She especially enjoyed visiting local shops and treating herself to her favorite “fancy drink” — a mixture of Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, with a shot of Big Red.

Dolores was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her presence will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Calvin Gustin; and her brothers, Larry Downey, and Donald Downey.

Survivors include her son, Shawn Gustin of Lubbock; two daughters, Cheryl Dickerson and husband Andy of Grand Saline, and Jamie Fugitt of Malakoff; ten grandchildren, Jeremy (Brittany), Rachel, Rebekah (Russ), Chelsea (Clark), Lauren (Cody), Jared, Dalton, Bobby Shawn (Brooke), Dustyn, and Laurie; fifteen great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be made in her memory to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701. www.hospiceofeasttexas.org