Mary Pena

Mary was born on February 25th, 1940 to Claudio (Clyde) and Jacinta Rios Pena in Navarro County. Setting goals was always a part of Mary’s life since childhood when she quit school to earn money for her family by working in the cotton fields of Ennis, Texas. Her biggest dream was to return to school and receive her high school diploma. Through the course of marriage and raising children, Mary set aside her goal – but she never lost sight of it. And on February 2, 1981 at the age of 41, Mary saw her dream come true when she returned to night school, passed the high school equivalency test and earned her diploma.

After receiving her diploma, Mary never looked back. She went on to become a successful entrepreneur. In 1984 she became a Tupperware Manager, and quickly climbed the ranks to become a director of Mary’s Marvels. She then went on to run a successful Tax and Immigration Business for over 35 years.

She was a woman strong in faith, and strong in spirit. She loved unconditionally and lived life to the fullest. She was classy, feisty, funny, bold, and honest. She kept everyone on their toes with her wit. She had an answer for everything and gave it to you if you wanted it or not. She served as a Eucharist Minister at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, and taught English as Second Language Classes.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sister Cipriana (Susie) Riojas, brothers Eugene and John Albert Pena; Son Donny Lee Perkins and Granddaughters, Jennifer Perkins and Valerie Donnysia Rodriguez. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Hilario “Lalo” Gomez; sons Peanut Perkins and wife Arlene and Smiley Perkins and wife Clara; daughters Dottie Jean Riojas, and husband Francisco, and Monica Sue Perkins and partner Raymond, Stepson Alberton Rincon; and Steven Martinez who she loved as one of her own. 17 Grandkids, 38 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild. And numerous nieces, nephews and friends.