Juanita Morales

Juanita Morales was born on December 20, 1949 to Rutilo and Trinidad Martinez in Brownfield, TX. She was the sixth of nine children: Hermelinda Alvarez (Tony), Priscilla Rodriguez (Ignacio), Esperanza, Hortencia Chapa (Jesse), Emilio (Angie), Socorro Chapa (Henry), Manuel (Lucy), and Helen Hernandez (Felipe).

She is survived by her husband Rene, her daughter, Veronica Zamora (Gabriel), and sons, Alonzo (Nichole) and Lorenzo, as well as five grandchildren, Andrew Turner (Taylor), Briana, Celeste, Isaac, and Carissa. She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Manuel Martinez, a sister, Socorro Chapa, and granddaughter, Natalie Morales.

Juanita graduated from Navarro High School in Geronimo, TX. She was a great student and a stand-out athlete. As a member of the Navarro Pantherettes, she made her mark in basketball, earning numerous medals and awards, and was featured in the local newspaper. She held the honor of being the first Hispanic female in Navarro history to make the basketball team.

In 1968, fresh out of high school, Juanita landed her first job at Gary Job Corps Center as Secretary to the Director. It was the dream job she always prayed for.

In 1976 she married Rene Morales of New Braunfels. They had dreams of a better life, so they made a big move, leaving the comfort of New Braunfels and moving to Dallas, TX. Soon after settling in Dallas, they began their family. They welcomed a daughter – Veronica, followed by two sons – Alonzo and Lorenzo.

Juanita never forgot her humble beginnings. Her parents instilled in her the importance of giving and volunteerism. She volunteered for many organizations during her lifetime, including Keep Mesquite Beautiful, Dallas Arboretum, St. Pius X Catholic Church Ladies Society, and Mesquite Parks and Recreation. Staying true to community service, it was no surprise that she worked for a major non-profit organization, American Heart Association, for 28 years.

Her love of sports was carried on through her children and grandchildren. In her younger years she enjoyed cheering on her sons during their years of playing soccer.

She loved spending time with her grandkids and introducing them to all of her favorite pastimes, especially sports. She coached her granddaughter Briana’s volleyball team and enjoyed watching her grandkids play soccer and softball. She was their biggest cheerleader, but she was also known to routinely beat them in a friendly game of basketball in the driveway.

Juanita was a kind and generous woman. She truly enjoyed being of service. She was the first to offer a meal and a warm place to stay. Her home became a place for family and friends to gather for all holidays and special events. She enjoyed providing for others and always did it with a warm smile on her face. She had many talents, including cooking, gardening, sewing, crafting, building, and so much more. Her happiest moments were when she entertained for family and friends. She always used her best china, and her food presentations always looked magazine-worthy.

Juanita loved giving back to those in need. One example in particular was near and dear to her heart -- a toy drive in memory of her granddaughter, Natalie, benefitting Children’s Health in Dallas. Over the past 18 years, she hosted silent auctions and ladies brunches to help raise money and collect toys.

She and Rene also shared a love of Tejano music. If there was a dance in town they would be there. They became friends with many Tejano artists over the years, and it was her absolute pleasure to host them whenever they were in town.

Her family was the joy of her life. As her children grew older and started getting married or moving out she began hosting Sunday family dinners. She was a true believer that Sunday was a day for faith and family. Nothing made her happier than to have all her children and grandchildren come together each week to enjoy a home cooked meal, watch America’s Funniest Home Videos, and cheer on America’s Team, The Dallas Cowboys, together. Her family looks forward to continuing the tradition of family dinner and will carry on her generosity toward those in need.

It was Juanita’s request that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or MD Anderson Cancer Center in lieu of flowers.

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