Delia Gonzales Herrera

She walked through life with an unwavering strength living a long and fruitful 97 years. With steadfast faith she went home peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Delia touched the lives of everyone she encountered with unforgettable grace and unconditional love.

Born in Encinal, Texas, on July 5, 1927, to Pedro Gonzales and Zoila Benavides, at the age of three, the family moved to Austwell, TX where she was raised throughout her youth. Delia showed a strong work ethic early on. At the age of eight, she started working at Mr. Cruz's store serving ice cream during cotton picking season. She continued working for him with added responsibilities and went on to be his right hand until he retired and sold the store.

Delia moved to Port Lavaca, Texas, in her early twenties, having heard there were good opportunities there, and began working for a clothing store. She later met Joe Herrera, and they were married a year thereafter. Making Port Lavaca their home, they started their family and lived there for 26 years. Her career involved various jobs, but as an entrepreneur at heart, she eventually opened Delia's House of Flowers. She was sought after for her beautiful floral arrangements, funeral casket sprays, and wedding bouquets. Upon moving to Plano, Texas, her love for decorating led her to Home Interiors and Gifts. Delia was named Top Producer several times throughout her years with them.

Delia had the gift of hospitality and quick wit and never met a stranger. Known for her ease in conversing with anyone she came in contact with, she made friends everywhere she went. She possessed a talent for winning the trust and hearts of many. Her entertaining sense of humor and smile brought laughter and joy. A woman of strong faith, along with her husband, Joe, she raised her children to know and love the Lord, and held Jesus Christ at the center of all family activities. Throughout her life, she exemplified an indomitable spirit filled with fortitude and grit empowering her family to get through whatever obstacles encountered through prayer and trust. Known as the Matriarch of the Gonzales family, her extended family sought her for her advice.

Family unity was first and foremost. Always rallying up family and extended family for gatherings, connecting the family through family reunions, birthday celebrations or just getting together. She loved having her home filled with family and family friends. She became Momo to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many of their friends. She loved to travel, visit relatives, loved DANCING and listening to Mariachi music. Later in life she developed a love for playing Mexican Train Dominos with her family and friends and played consistently. She valued the right to vote and made sure to vote until her final year.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Zoila Gonzales, her husband, Joe I. Herrera, siblings Manuela Guerra, Juana Garza, Flora Guerra, Praxedis Gonzales, Alejandro Gonzales, Ofilia Gonzales and Pedro Gonzales, Jr.

She is survived by her children Zoila Krusemark (Steve), Cindy Washington (Johnny), Joseph Anthony Herrera (Julie), and Sylvia "Sandi" Herrera. Grandchildren Olivia Aguilar (Kevin Atkinson), Michael Aguilar (Annie), Theresa Taylor (Stuart), Monica Cole (Jared), Josh Herrera, Micaela Krusemark, Jeffrey Herrera (Anna), Jeremy Herrera, and Kylee Schacht (Andrew). Great-grandchildren Isabel Taylor, Christian Cole, Daniella Cole, Faelyn Herrera, Orli Herrera and Winter Herrera.

In Lieu of flowers, a link will soon be shared to honor Delia’s memory by supporting her most cherished cause in restoring the Austwell Cemetery.