Virginia Melendez

On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, Virginia Garza Melendez returned to her creator surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was 86 years old and a lifelong resident of Portland, Texas, where she was born on October 8, 1935 to Ursula Barrera and Guadalupe Garza.

She is preceded in death by her husband (Segifredo Melendez), her 2 infant grandsons (Jonathan Rios and Jose Antonio Melendez), both of her parents and her siblings - Guadalupe Garcia, Benita Martinez, Alephonso Garza, Sylveria Vega, Reyes Garcia, and Tomas Garza. She is survived by her brother Joe B. Garza and her 9 children: Sigifredo Melendez, Jr. (San Juana), Angelo Melendez (Rose), Betty Sandoval (Manuel), Yolanda Melendez, Daniel Melendez, Rafael Melendez (Yvonne), Marie Rios (Jose Luis), Rene Melendez (Sandra) and Alicia Salinas (Andy). She is also survived by her 27 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Virginia was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharist Minister and leader of the Spanish Prayer Group for over 30 years. Her faith and spirituality transcended her religion as she inspired, encouraged and set an example through her words and purity of heart. She continuously prayed for anyone who asked and even those who didn't. Virginia was a homemaker who raised 9 children and numerous grandchildren throughout her life. She was a strong woman who understood how to make the best of things through hardships. She nourished her family through her wonderful food, love and support. She showed tolerance and understanding for those who needed it. She was an avid gardener and lover of nature. As a naturalist, Virginia promoted a natural and holistic lifestyle to those who succeeded her. Her legacy will be her ability to keep her large family together in life and in death as we honor her memory now and forever. May she rest in eternal peace.

Funeral services are as follows: Viewing is on Friday starting at 5 p.m. Rosary will also be on Friday at 7 p.m. Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Portland, Texas, followed by burial at The Palms Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564