Reyes P. Hernandez

She was born in San Antonio, Texas, on October 13, 1934 to Emilio M.Palacios & Ysidra P. Palacios. She was married to David L. Hernandez for 40 years. Reyes was employed by the City of San Antonio approximately for seven years as one of its first Women Dispatchers in the Public Works (Victoria Yard) department, then as a Clerk in the City of San Antonio, Municipal Clerks office (Elections).

She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Cursillistas, serving as one of its Profesoras where she prayed, reflected and preached the Word of God. Her lifelong legacy is that she stressed to everyone she encountered the power of their vote and ensured that they became registered voters.

Reyes (AKA Mama Raye) had a passion for living life and of being of service to others. She loved cooking for her family making her hefty tasty tamales, capirotada and turkey dressing (family recipe). She loved to cook for friends and acquaintances who enjoyed her home cooked meals that included fresh hot flour tortillas. For some years she served as a cook at Henry de Osso Catholic school cafeteria. Reyes generously cooked for the Sisters at the convents providing delicious hot meals, especially her specialties of arroz con pollo, cheese enchiladas and menudo. Her daughter often told her mother that she was like a St. Vincent de Paul since in the trunk of her car, she carried clothing for those in need as well as canned food items for those that might need a meal. Reyes, on many occasions substituted at St. John Bosco elementary school in San Antonio, TX and in addition she was the afterschool program coordinator which the children loved because she always brought them a treat to enjoy at the end of their day as they waited for their parents to come and take them home.

Reyes was an avid reader and encouraged those around her to learn this important skill. She loved all types of music in both English and Spanish and enjoyed singing along with them. One of her last enjoyments was watching the musical show Going my Way on EWTN. In addition, she enjoyed watching our Spurs, Dallas Cowboys and many other football teams. Her great love for football grew from her high school days at Brackenridge High school where she was a member of the Purple Jackets, marching for miles on a weekly basis preparing for the annual Battle of Flowers parade.

She loved her ten grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Her great grandchildren always looked forward to the “nickels” ($5.00) she would give them as treats.

One of Mama Raye’s greatest gifts to her children, family, friends and all she met was her gift of faith. Visits and phone calls to Mama Raye always ended with her customary blessing. Her life was founded on a strong, everlasting belief in God. She lived closely connected to God with daily mass, the rosary and listening to Catholic programs that would feed her soul. Because of her strong faith she was able to live through the difficult trials of her husband’s death, losing one of her legs through amputation and the death of her two sons. All these experiences deepened her faith as she leaned heavily on God’s strength.

The Hernandez family thanks all of you who befriended and loved their mother. A special thanks to Dr. Mario Juarez who cared for her as her primary physician for most of her life to the last day. In addition, the family thanks Cynthia Martinez her loving caretaker for the past two and a half years and Soft Touch Home health for their excellent care. A word of gratitude to Embrace Hospice who provided compassionate care during the last week of Reyes’s life.

Reyes was preceded in death by her husband David L. Hernandez, her parents Emilio M. Palacios and Ysidra P. Palacios, her firstborn son, David Hernandez Jr. ( Baby ), John A. Hernandez and Ralph Dominic Hernandez.

She is survived by her son David Hernandez (Georgia), Louis Edward Hernandez (Dawn), Sister Janette Hernandez, MCDP. Her siblings, Louis P. Palacios, Jesusita Aguirre and Ysidra Barraza (Jimmy). Her daughters in law Elvira C. Hernandez and Maria Catarina Hernandez . Her grandchildren Alietha Davis (Jeff), Elizabeth H. Sechriest (Justin), Edward Hernandez (Elizabeth), Natalie Wisby (Clint), Johvonne H. Howard (Da’Sean) and Dominic C. Hernandez (Laurel), David L. Hernandez and John T. Hernandez, Marnie R. Buschur (Scott), Ryan Hernandez (Jessica). Her great grandchildren Sarah Davis, Nathan Davis, Haylee Hernandez, Logan Hernandez, Tye Hernandez, Keaton Wisby, Claire Wisby, Allie Wisby, Jayda Howard, D’Anthony Howard, Evelyn Mae Hernandez, Forrest Rocco Buscher, Arieana Mae Hernandez, Kolsyn Kae Hernandez.

The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, March 3rd from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. On Thursday, March 4th, a Procession will depart at 11:30 AM to arrive at Holy Family Catholic Church – 152 Florencia St, 78228 – for a Mass at 12:15 PM. Burial will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery – 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, 78209.

Due to restrictions on public gatherings, the Visitation at Funeraria del Angel Trevino - 226 Cupples Road 78237 - will be limited to 50 people in the building at a time; Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery will only permit up to 25 people. Face masks are required to be worn at all times.