Susana Barria-Baez, 95, of El Paso, Texas, peacefully entered eternal rest on November 13, 2024. She closed her eyes here and woke up to see the beauty and fullness of eternity; she is now in the presence of the Lord, reunited with her eternal husband, Rev. Juan Antonio Báez Sr. who preceded her in death. Susana was born on May 24, 1929, in Santiago, Panama, to Maria Isabel Bonilla and Vicente Barria, who preceded her in death. Susana dedicated her life to her faith, family, and ministry.
On September 6, 1950, she married Rev. Juan Antonio Báez Sr., beginning a lifelong partnership in service to God. In 1972, Susana and Juan founded a ministry in their home, which quickly grew into an Assemblies of God worship center called Iglesia Cristiana Pentecostes located on Copia Street in 1975. As a pastor’s wife, Susana was a cornerstone of the ministry, leading the women’s ministry, teaching Sunday School, mentoring future leaders, and serving faithfully in the background to advance God’s work. She was a prayer warrior and a source of wisdom and strength to all who knew her. Susana’s greatest joy was her family and her faith. Her legacy is reflected in her loved ones who continue to walk in her example and continue to be devoted to God.
She is survived by her children: Roma Ortega, Maria Baez, Carmin Velez, Susana Hargrave, and Rev. Juan Antonio Báez Jr.; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Priscilla Muñoz, her granddaughter and caretaker along with her husband James and sons, for her loving care of Susana throughout the years. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our Pastors Rev. Ray and Irma Gonzalez and Iglesia Cristiana Pentecostes members, past and present, for their prayers, support, and love. Thank you to all who helped with her care including La Victoria Adult Day Care Center/Dyer, Sierra Providence Medical Center and Tender Care Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Iglesia Cristiana Pentecostes, 3325-31 N. Copia Street, El Paso, TX. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 9:00 AM at Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer Street, El Paso, TX, officiated by Rev. Ray Gonzales.
Pallbearers will include Manuel Ortega Jr., Seth V. Hargrave, Raul Velez Jr., Zion J. Baez-Lopez, Anthony A. Muñoz, Aiden J. Muñoz, and Elijah L. Muñoz, Jaziah G. Vasquez Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 11:00 AM.
Services are entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer Street, El Paso, TX.
Susana Barria-Baez leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and unwavering devotion to God. She will be deeply missed but her impact will endure for generations to come.
