Esmeralda R. Cortez

Esmeralda R. Cortez, was brought to rest on Tuesday morning, August 23, 2022 in the comfort of her home in Falfurrias, Texas at the age of 75. She was surrounded by the passions of her life; music, loved ones, and most importantly, the word of God. She was born on December 10, 1946 to Jose Rios and Paula Lara Rios in Edinburg, Texas. Anyone who knew Mrs. Cortez, knew that she was not only an outstanding wife, mother, grandmother, sibling, and friend but an even more legendary singer, performer, music educator and business owner.

She was born into a proud family of migrant workers who traveled throughout the summers to various states to provide economic stability. The travels led them from the Sugar beets in South Dakota and Montana to the cherry orchards of Wisconsin and Michigan, where they spent the evening cooling down and enjoying the freshness of the lakes. They often worked gathering strawberries from the bushels of the fields in Wisconsin and dreaded the heat that was to come from the cotton field of Kenneth, Missouri. Although her and her sisters anticipated the long hot days of hard work, they often created competitions within themselves of who could pick the most to pass the time. Each picking over 400 pounds of cotton a day to make their family proud.

She often mentioned singing to pass the time and daydreaming as she gazed across the orchards and fields noticing all the vibrant colors that God created. The grasses glistening from the blazing sun looked like fields of gold, and the deep reds of the cherry trees and strawberry bushels lead her to vow that someday she would grace the stage wearing vibrant gowns as she dreamed of becoming a star. This was a generation of strength and perseverance doing what needed to be done. This was the beginning of the journey that led to the legendary Esmeralda Rios Cortez.

She often shared the story of praying to God to give her a voice that would allow her to become a star and eventually be able to build a home for her parents. She was encouraged by her parents to share her gift with others. This led to her desire to use her talents to inspire the love of music to the youth through schools and her music studio. She shared her passion and love of music, not only with her students, but with her family, community, colleagues, and acquaintances spanning across the globe. She deeply valued the importance of giving back to the community and always encouraged her students to do the same, by providing endless entertainment at fiestas, local events, and bringing joy to the residences of the local nursing homes for over 35 years.

Mrs. Cortez was a woman of powerful words, saying what she meant and meaning what she said. These words always came from a place of strong values and beliefs and they helped mold the lives, voices, personalities and careers of many students along the way.

Her successes placed her performing on Broadway at the age of 19 while traveling with an Orchestra. During her studies, she began singing opera and was later introduced to mariachi music that eventually led her to the induction into the Mariachi Hall of Fame, along with her husband, Ernesto Cortez. She then becoming a business owner of Cortez Music Studio, where she produced beautiful recitals to showcase the talent of our community youth for 33 years. Her greatest joy was to teach her grandchildren in hopes to keep her legacy alive!

If she could share her words of wisdom, she would emphasize the importance of teaching your children to be rooted in Christ, like the Cedars that are planted by the rivers in Lebanon. Putting God first in all you do and giving him all the glory!

In addition to her parents, Esmeralda was predeceased by her son, Ernesto Cortez, Jr.; son-in-law, Jose Isaac Vela; and sisters, Helena Rios, Anita Urrutia, Elia Garcia, Minerva Garcia and Lucilla Medina.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ernesto P. Cortez of Falfurrias; son, Eduardo Alfonso (Blanca) Cortez of Edinburg; daughters, Maria Elisa Cortez Chilton of Premont, Texas and Lilia Balderas of Concepcion, Texas; brothers, Jose Rios, Jr. and Marcos (Cindy) Rios; sisters, Elva (Rosario) Loera, Hermelinda Barraza (David), Rosita (Ismael) Gonzalez and Delia Marand (Gerardo); six grandchildren that she adored, Sebastian Isaac Vela, Bianca Krystal Cortez, Samantha Mae Gutierrez, Andre Van Chilton, Eduardo Zacarias Cortez, Jr. and Josef Gutierrez, one great-granddaughter on the way, Victoria Nicole Cortez and several nieces, nephews and extended family members that will miss her dearly.

Prayer Service will be at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022 at the Maranatha Assembly of God Church in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Maranatha Assembly of God Church with Visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Falfurrias Burial Park.

The family will be hosting a Tribute Recital at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Falfurrias High School Auditorium and are inviting everyone to attend.