Mercedes A. Martinez, age 100, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at a nursing home in Kingsville, Texas. Born on January 25, 1925, in Brooks County, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of Jose Maria Almaraz and Jovita Treviño Almaraz, and one of twelve siblings.
Mercedes married the love of her life, Antonio L. Martinez, and together they raised four beautiful children. A true ranch woman at heart, Mercedes was known for her strength, independence, and deep family devotion. She could skin and clean a deer with unmatched skill, work the watermelon fields under the Texas sun, hunt and ride horses - a passion she shared with her father. She was also famously known for her tamales, once selling a batch to none other than Frank Sinatra, a memory she cherished proudly. Another talent of hers was her remarkable upholstery work, transforming worn pieces into something both beautiful and useful - just as she did in many areas of her life.
Though many knew her as a tough, tomboyish woman who knew how to start and end a fight if she had to, those close to her knew the gentleness of her heart and the unwavering love she held for her family. Mercedes lived life on her own terms - 100 years of doing it her way.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Jovita; her husband, Antonio; her son, Manuel Antonio Martinez; nine of her siblings; and a great-grandson.
Left to cherish her memory are her son; Alonzo Martinez of Freeport, Texas; daughters, Norma Coy (Daniel) DeAnda of Houston, Texas; and Lidia (Sonny) Mirelez of Kingsville, Texas; her daughter-in-law, Patsy Martinez of Port Lavaca, Texas; her brother, Gregorio (Patricia) Almaraz of Blanco, Texas; her sister, Rafaela Isassi of Kingsville, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Mercedes will be remembered for her fierce spirit, her legendary tamales, and above all, her boundless love for her family.
Pallbearers will be Justin Wade McBee, Jimmy Wayne McBee, Alonzo Martinez III, Alejandro Martinez Jr., Zhayvan Gayle, Zeke Dierlam, Carlos Coy II, and Arturo Coy III.
Rosary will be prayed at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias with services concluding at the Falfurrias Burial Park.
