Esmeralda Longoria Garcia

Esmeralda L. Garcia, a loving and kind woman, was called home to her eternal resting place on May 20, 2023. Born in Alice, Texas on February 24, 1920, Esmeralda was a true educator who touched the lives of all who knew her. Her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift, as she was a true servant of the Lord.

Esmeralda was born to the late Leonardo Longoria of Brownsville, Texas and Luisa Lopez of Falfurrias, Texas. She was raised alongside her sister, Amelia L. Saenz, who preceded her in death. Esmeralda's life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and hard work. On December 25, 1947, she married the love of her life, Alberto “Cheto” A. Garcia, in their beloved hometown of Alice, Texas. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, residing in Alice throughout their 40 years of marriage until Alberto's passing in 1988.

Esmeralda was a shining example of the importance of education and lifelong learning. She earned her Bachelor of Elementary Education from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas in 1942. With this foundation, she went on to have an illustrious career as an educator, touching the lives of countless students in Kingsville, Texas and in the Alice Independent School District. Esmeralda taught at various schools, including Kingsville, Saenz, Nayer, Mary R. Garcia, and Palito Blanco Elementary. She was recognized by the Alice Independent School District for 39 years of outstanding service to her community. In her retirement, she continued her passion for education as a reading tutor.

Her commitment to her faith was unwavering, as Esmeralda was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alice, Texas. She also devoted her time and energy to the Altar Rosary Society, further demonstrating her love for the Lord and her community. Esmeralda's involvement in various organizations showcased her passion for education and fellowship, as she was a 60-year member of both the Beta Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and the Tri County Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), and a member of the Beta Pi Chapter Choir.

Esmeralda enjoyed cooking, singing, and spending time at the ranch with her husband. She also enjoyed their special traveling times. Christmas was her favorite holiday being that she married on Christmas Day, her great-grandson was born on Christmas eve, and most especially celebrating the birth of Christ with her family sharing laughter, food, and family love and unity.

Esmeralda is survived by her devoted son, Alberto "Bitsy" Garcia of Alice, Texas. She was a proud grandmother to Victoria (Cody) Garcia of Corpus Christi, Texas and Bryan Garcia of New Braunfels, Texas, as well as a doting great-grandmother to Milla Jo Garcia and Rowen Villarreal. Esmeralda's memory will also be cherished by her nieces, Nelda (J.C. III) Saenz-Perez of Alice, Texas, and Elva Garcia of Palito Blanco, Texas, her neighbors Cirildo and Isabel Garcia, and a host of other nieces, nephews, and family members.

As we gather to remember and celebrate the life of Esmeralda L. Garcia, let us honor her memory by striving to embody the qualities she so beautifully displayed: love and kindness. Let us hold fast to the belief that her spirit is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord and let us be comforted by the knowledge that we will one day be reunited with her in the eternal glory of Heaven.

Esmeralda’s family will receive condolences on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Trevino Funeral Home, 120 E. Front St.; with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church at 11:00 AM, followed by Rite of Committal and Interment at the Barrera Family Cemetery in Palito Blanco, TX. Honoring Esmeralda as pallbearers are Roger Saenz Jr, J C Perez III, Daniel Garcia, Cody Villarreal, J C Perez IV, and Bryan Garcia.

Condolences for the family of Esmeralda L. Garcia may be left at www.trevinofuneralhome.net.