Emma Gonzales Martinez

She is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Manuel G. Martinez Sr; her sisters, Irene Gonzalez and Lucia Casarez, her brother, Arnulfo Gonzales; 3 sons, Daniel, Marcial, Paul and daughter Lydia Barrios.

She is survived by her sister, Guadalupe Lopez; half-sister, Pauline Reyes; 3 children; Yolanda Vasquez (husband Ernest), Manuel G. Martinez Jr. (wife Enedelia), Elaine Hernandez (husband J.R.); 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

With her involvement of the L.U.L.A.C educational protest of 70’s, her social work to provide effective solutions to families in need, and as a boy scouts’ Den Mother, she etched a legacy that impacted the community for future generations. She also served as a prominent leader within the Church of Bethania by organizing the Boys and Girls Missionary Crusade (B.G.M.C.), leading the Missionettes as a Sponsor, and known to many as the “best Sunday school teacher”.

In the recent years, her memory failed, but she will always be remembered for her strength, genuine kindness, and unconditional love. She treated everyone like family, and became a mother-figure to many. Throughout her 90 years, many lives were touched; those who knew her, loved her. She will greatly be missed by those that knew her as Emma, Mom, Suegra, Tia, Ma-Emma, Hermana Emma, and Grandma.

A visitation for Emma will be held Monday, February 21, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077. A funeral service will follow from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A committal service will occur Monday, February 21, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.

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