Palmira Garza Autrey

Pal grew up in the sleepy Texas coastal town of Rockport, Texas. It was in Rockport where Pal exhibited her incredible work ethic as a young child, earning money cleaning shrimp from the daily shrimp boats. Growing up in Rockport, she loved to attend the weekly dances at the Aransas Pass dance hall with her many siblings. Pal mostly enjoyed helping her mother, Hortencia (her best friend), with the daily chores that came with being part of a large family. Marriage led her to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she became a lifelong resident. Pal was known for her beautiful smile and deep dimples. She had a natural green thumb and often kept a beautiful garden whether ornamental or vegetable. She loved to sew for her five daughters and enjoyed cooking, especially during the holidays. Pal considered a perfect day spent in the kitchen making tamales and singing Mexican love songs. Her giving heart led her to a 40-year career caring for the elderly, often holding her patients as they took their last breaths. Pal was fiercely independent and worked into her mid 80’s until her body could no longer keep up. She was selfless, hardworking, and always had a beautiful smile on her face even in the hardest of times. Pal is survived by her five daughters, Pamela Autrey, Barbara Stewart and her fiancée Huntington Hodges, Melissa Smith and her husband Keith, Melanie Pellegrin and her husband James, Terri Babin and her husband Dreux; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Mary Lou Glaze; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pal will be deeply missed by her family and all who were very lucky to know her. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 10am-12pm with a memorial service to begin at 12:00pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home. Inurnment will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70815