Teresa Ponce

Teresa Ponce, 89, passed away on April 13, 2026. Born March 25, 1937, in Berlin, Texas, Teresa was the youngest daughter in a family of ten children, born to Benito Gonzalez and Santos Santana Gonzalez. From the beginning, her life reflected steady devotion, quiet strength, and a thoughtful wisdom that guided those fortunate enough to know her.

Teresa devoted her life to her four children—Benito Ponce, Cynthia Gardea, Donna Diaz, and Eduardo Ponce—whom she cherished. Her love was constant and selfless, expressed in the daily work of caring, providing, and showing up with loyalty and honesty. In both joyful and difficult seasons, Teresa’s resilience and brave spirit remained a source of reassurance and inspiration to her family.

A hard-working woman with a generous heart, Teresa was known as an amazing cook and baker. Her rice and beans, famous enchiladas, and spicy salsa brought family and friends together time and again, turning ordinary meals into lasting memories. She also loved gardening and often harvested her own produce, finding satisfaction in patient effort and the simple gifts of the earth.

Teresa’s creativity was equally abundant. She loved to crochet, knit, sew, and paint, spending countless hours making things for others to enjoy and admire. In these quiet labors, her kindness and thoughtfulness shone—each project a reflection of care given freely, without hesitation or need for recognition. And when the moment called for it, her gentle humor could brighten a room and ease a burden.

Faith was central to Teresa’s life. She was deeply involved in her church and community, serving in many roles over the years, including treasurer, elder, secretary, and Sunday School Teacher. She also enjoyed singing with the choir for many years. Teresa offered steady guidance as a mentor and elder, and she became a trusted support to her neighbors and their families—so much so that many lovingly knew her as “Gramma.”

She was a dedicated prayer warrior, and her children know that her faith and prayers were a priceless gift that had great impact and blessing on their lives.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, Benito Gonzalez and Santos Santana Gonzalez, as well as many of her siblings and friends. She is survived by her children, Benito Ponce, Cynthia Gardea, Donna Diaz, and Eduardo Ponce; her younger brother, Jose Gonzalez; eight grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the faith she practiced, and the many lives made better by her generous and devoted presence.

Visitation with Family will be held at Anderson-Clayton-Gonzalez Funeral Home, Rosebud Venue, 1111 Military Pkwy, Mesquite, Texas 75149, on May 2, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. This is an open visitation for family to gather, have coffee, and talk prior to service.

A Celebration of Life will follow at Anderson-Clayton-Gonzalez Funeral Home, Chapel, 1111 Military Pkwy, Mesquite, Texas 75149, on May 2, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.