San Juanita Barrera

With sadness and heavy hearts, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, San Juanita Barrera was called home to heaven on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at the age of 73. San Juanita was also affectionately known to friends and family as Janie, Juanita, and San Jui.

Janie was born on July 25, 1949, in Holdrege, Nebraska to Manuel and Guadalupe Bustamante. She was raised in Asherton, Texas by her grandparents Abran and Maria Bustamante.

Janie was a devoted wife to Gregory E. Barrera whom she married on May 16, 1966. After living in Lubbock, Texas, Janie along, with her husband and two children, moved to Adrian, Michigan in 1969. She later gave birth to three additional daughters. Janie became a dedicated member of the Miracle Temple Church in Adrian, Michigan and for many years, held the position of treasurer, as well as Sunday School teacher for the youth. Janie was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, church, and community.

While in Adrian, Janie began her career working for Adrian Public Schools with the Head Start Program holding various positions. During this time, she joined many organizations including the Michigan State University Advisory Council and the Latino Hispanic Committee. Janie found great passion and joy in serving families of Lenawee County as well as working with her Head Start family. After 30 years of service, she retired in 2004 but continued to always cherish the memories and relationships she built during this time of her life.

After retirement, Janie and her husband moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2005. Here is where she began her hobby of selling lowrider bike parts and novelties at the Highway 90 Flea Market. She loved baking, cooking, cake decorating, antique shopping, playing slot machines at the casino, and going to the Goodwill. She also enjoyed going to and hosting rummage sales. She took pleasure in caring for her plants and flowers, including her favorite which were sunflowers. She was a devout San Antonio Spurs fan. Go Spurs Go!

She devoted her life and love to her family. Janie cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and her love for them was unmatched. She enjoyed going to their recitals, sports games, banquets, graduations, and having sleep overs. She had a natural ability to make friends with anybody in any situation and she will always be remembered for her easy spirit and kindheartedness.

Janie is survived by her husband of 56 years, Gregory E. Barrera, Son Keith (Vicki) Barrera, Daughters Patricia (Anthony) Barrera- Holman, Kerri Barrera, Shekinah (Elias) Barrera- Guetaneh, Amanda Barrera-Capetillo. Her legacy continues through her 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. All of whom she loved and adored dearly.

Janie is also survived by her siblings Amanda Rios (who was like a mother to her), Tammy Gonzales, Fernando Bustamante, and Manuel Bustamante, Jr. Additionally, she is survived and missed by her extended Barrera/Garza family including her Mother-In-Law Sylvia Garza. A special thank you to Linda Barrera who was always by her side providing constant encouragement and love.

She is joined in Heaven with her parents, grandparents, and siblings Alex and Avelinda Bustamante. She is also reunited with her grandson Robert Manny Fluellen, whom she loved very much.

Your legacy will continue on Earth and we will carry your memory in our hearts forever.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

For those who are unable to attend, the services will be livestreamed on Sunset Funeral Home Facebook page.