Juanita Robles Jasso

Our beloved mother, Juanita Robles Jasso, died peacefully on Monday, January 31, 2022, in Houston, Texas. Mom was born May 12, 1935, in Houston, Texas, to Marcela Ibarra and Amado Robles. She was an only child but had many cousins and extended family. Mom had seven children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and even great, great-grandchildren. She loved them all.

Mom was very proud to be a Native Texan and Houstonian. She was born and grew up in the Second Ward of the historic Houston East End. As an adult she moved to the Houston Heights where she bought a home, raised a family, worked, and lived for the next 50 years. She was a giving soul who opened her home over those years to many friends, and even a few strangers, and made them welcome to stay as long as they needed. She loved her neighborhood, and for many years she stopped by Andy’s Restaurant on 11th Street for breakfast and conversation.

When Mom was only 8 years old, she learned to sew and crochet by making outfits for her many beloved dolls. These skills later developed into a profession when she became a Seamstress working in various suit and uniform companies throughout Houston. In her later years, Mom took up quilt making, making quilts and crocheted blankets for family, friends, charity raffles, and the women’s and children’s shelters. During the pandemic Mom even made masks.

In Mom’s retirement years, she was an active and dedicated member of the West End Senior Center, also in the Heights, for over 20 years, some of which she served as Treasurer. Her senior center, including the other members and the Director, became another part of her family. She loved to decorate for parties and holidays events, most especially Halloween. Mom would always dress up for Halloween, and among her favorite costumes were a Witch, a Fortune Teller, and a Ghoul. She thoroughly enjoyed herself evidenced by the twinkle in her eye.

Mom loved to dance and, in her youth, Mom enjoyed dressing in the latest fashions and most daring shoes. Her favorite style of dancing was a Cumbia. Mom’s love for Elvis never wavered and even in her later years he could still make her heart flutter. Mom loved to read and talk about her community, politics, and the Houston Rockets. She adored going to the movie theater, eating popcorn, and trying to reach out and touch the screen at the 3D films. She loved a good action movie, and looked forward to each new Marvel superhero film, especially the ones with strong female characters. Mom herself really was a strong female character. Our mother will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her oldest son Raul Martinez, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Elisa Martinez of California, Abel Joe Castillo of Houston, Eleanor Calvillo of Houston, Diane Jasso of Houston, Richard Jasso of Houston, and Simon Jasso of Houston, as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren, and many, many family and friends all over the country.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Jasso family.