Antonia Jimenez Gonzales

Antonia Gonzales, devoted to serving Christ, family, and her community, passed away on December 14, 2024, at the age of 86, in her home surrounded by the love and warmth of her family in Corpus Christi, Texas. Born on January 17, 1938, in Corpus Christi Texas, to Jose Lara Gonzales and Cruz Jimenez Gonzales, Antonia who was affectionately known by Leonila and Toni, was a beacon of light and cornerstone of strength to all who knew her.

Antonia was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Jose Lara Gonzales and Cruz Jimenez Gonzales, and siblings, Alonzo Gonzales (infant) and Juan Gonzales (Marylou).

Antonia’s memory will be treasured and kept alive by her devoted brothers, Asencion ‘Chon’ Gonzales (Angelina, Decd.), Ramon Gonzales (Margarita, Decd.), Carlos Gonzales (Carolina, Decd.), and Simon Gonzales (Maria Esthela, Decd.); her sister Emma Gonzales O’Neil (Allen, Decd.);  her loving son, Christopher Arnold Gonzales (Monica); and her adoring grandchildren, Christopher Anthony Gonzales, Alejandro Christopher Gonzales, Kareli Rayne Gonzales, Kason Ray Gonzales, Cristian Jase Ramirez, and Daniel Rolando Cortez; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will miss her dearly.

Antonia was born during the formidable years of The Great Depression, a global economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to 1939. There was widespread unemployment and poverty, suffice to say that she came from humble beginnings. However, Antonia was privileged to be born into a family of hard-working and industrious parents who reared her and her siblings with the direction of love, self-reliance, and service toward each other and the community. Most importantly, Antonia was raised with gospel foundational teachings through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Antonia attended Corpus Christi High School, later known as Roy Miller High School, and received her diploma. She continued her education at Del Mar Jr. College, completing the program with a License Vocational Nursing certificate. With her certificate, Antonia was able to gain employment at Spohn Hospital, now known as Christus Spohn Hospital, and worked in several capacities: including maternity ward, neonatal intensive care unit, (NICU), etc. Due to her extensive experience and her compassion for humanity, Antonia served, at times, in her community in the unofficial title of a mid-wife capacity, delivering babies for women who were indigent, impoverished, and/or who had no health care. By word of mouth, she would be called upon by neighbors during any hour of the day or night, spending countless hours serving her community in this and other ways.

Throughout her life, Antonia embraced the simple joys of life spending quality time with her nieces and nephews and taking them shopping for school clothes, teaching them to bowl, going on outings such as going to the beach, watching the Naval Air Station Blue Angels show, and endless unforgettable outings. Antonia was an avid bowler, competing in the sport and winning numerous championships. She was a fan of the Spurs basketball team and traveled to San Antonio to watch them play. She loved to travel and on her travels, she always thought of others along the way. For example, she would pack two suitcases of clothing when visiting Mexico City. One suitcase would be filled with her personal belongings and the other was filled with clothing she planned to donate to the underprivileged women of the villages.

Antonia was very quiet about her good works and accomplishments, never seeking attention or praise. Many times, her kind acts of service were unknown to the public. She never complained, no matter the challenges she faced, and her courage was evident in her walk to bless other people’s lives with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Her kindness was gentle and made a lasting impact on everyone she met. Antonia’s life was a beautiful tapestry intertwined with threads of love, kindness, and bravery. As we bid farewell to this remarkable Angelic Light, we celebrate the everlasting impact Antonia has left in our hearts and the world. Her light will continue to shine brilliantly through the lives of those she loved and through the countless acts of kindness she provided.

Antonia’s journey was one of grace, beauty, and selfless sacrifices, and she will be dearly missed by all who were touched by her extraordinary life.

Antonia’s family will receive condolences on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Treviño Funeral Home, 3006 Niagara St. @ Port Ave, from 10:00 AM –11:30 PM.  A Celebration of Life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 12:00 PM. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park.

To leave your condolences for the family of Antonia Gonzales, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.