Julia G. Pena

Julia Garcia Peña, 90 of Mathis passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024.  Surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home in Victoria, Texas where she resided for the last 12 years. She was born in Dilley, Texas to Francisco and Cecilia Garcia on August 8, 1934. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Abelardo Peña and her brothers and sisters: Roberto Garcia, Federico Garcia, Marcelino (Hortencia) Garcia, Irene (Francisco) Cancino, Jesus (Elida) Garcia, Luz (Andres) Lopez, Manuel Garcia, Francisco (Alicia) Garcia, Jr., and Maria (Alfredo) Guerrero.

Survivors include daughter, Dalila (Anthony) Sanchez of Victoria. Grandchildren, Anthony Sanchez, Jr., of Victoria, Selena (Robert) Jones of Hawaii, Marissa Nicole (engaged to Jorge Vazquez) Sanchez and Mark Anthony Sanchez, of Victoria. Three great-grandchildren, Ayden Sanchez, Robert Jones and Jayson Jones, and many many nieces and nephews.

In her early life she was very industrious. She was a housekeeper for many years for a couple of residents in Mathis. She was a witness to them of her faith and they treated her like family. She worked in the cotton fields alongside her father and siblings and nephews and nieces. She was a migrant worker to north Texas for one year so that she could earn money to buy her parents their first house. She was actually a truck driver in the labor field breaking the masculine macho barrier at that time.

She was a very active church member. She was in the choir, WMU (Women ‘s Mission Union), Sunday school teacher. She taught young church girls (GA’s) and hosted many fun activities for them at her house. From her personal hard-earned money, she funded their activities. She paid for all materials, one of which was “the famous slip and slide”. She enjoyed teaching Vacation Bible School every summer. She enjoyed baking cakes for church functions. She wasn’t shy either when it came to cleaning up the kitchen. She volunteered to clean the church or anything else that needed to be done. On top of being a caretaker for her elderly parents she was also a wife and a mother. She (along with her parents) was a pioneer of Mission Bautista and then became part of the building process for Primera Iglesia Bautista on Hwy 359. 

Her past hobbies were baking, crocheting, sewing and praising God. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She was always looking very classy with her fancy outfits and all her accessories. When she presented herself, she presented  well. She brought a lot of people to Christ. Everyone knew her as “La Tia Julie” even nonblood relatives called her that. She was the sweetest, most loving lady. She would give you her last dollar to help you out. She prayed for everyone whether she knew you her whole life or just met you at the store you would be in her prayers.

Early in her marriage, she was a faithful witness to her husband’s family through which many of them came to know the Lord. My mom and our grandmother will truly be missed. She was one of a kind. We will miss her playing and joking around, never a dull moment. We will never forget her always asking us “Did you pray before you ate?” Now whether it’s a snack or a meal we pray before we eat!

All visitation and services at Primera Iglesia Bautista.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Visitation: 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Praise & Worship Service – 7:00pm

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Prayer Service –at 10:00 a.m.

Interment to follow at Descanso Eterno Cemetery No. 2.

Paul Bearers: Anthony Sanchez, Mark Anthony Sanchez, Anthony Sanchez, Jr., Jorge Vazquez, Colt Spence, Moy Hinojosa

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home. 361-547-3224 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com