Mildred Cruise Garcia

Harrison and Alberta were both farmers, however Alberta also worked as a midwife, delivering the babies of hundreds of local women unable to afford hospitalized obstetric care. Mrs. Alberta Smith was a midwife to her own offspring as well, delivering three of Mildred’s children: Frankie, Jo Ann, and a baby boy that unfortunately did not survive the birth. Mildred’s maternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Johnny and Callie Smith; fraternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Evelyn Cruise. Mildred was the eldest daughter and the 5th child out of 14 children. Her siblings included Jessie Smith, Alberta Arceneaux, Deloris Murphy, Mary Ann Ward, Betty Bates, Wilmer Cruise, Bryant Cruise, Floyd Cruise, Thurman Cruise, Harrison Charles Cruise, Edell Cruise, and Walter “Red” Cruise.

Mildred received her primary education in the Riceville School System. When not in school her early years were spent working in the family home, on farming fields, and in local stores, along with other odd jobs to assist with family household expenses. As the eldest daughter she was an essential caregiver for her grandparents, parents, and siblings. Mildred was an avid homemaker, but she often worked outside of the home. She worked as a lab assistant for Black, Crow and Eidsness, a water testing facility, until the company relocated out of state. Her later years were spent working as a private duty nurse, often alongside of her sisters, for many different families until her retirement. She often spoke very fondly of the Harrison’s, a family whom which she was employed with for an extended time. Mildred was loved and adored by all who came into contact with her.

On October 8, 1941, at the age of 16, Mildred married her friend and lifelong companion, Mr. Frank “Bat” Garcia. With this loving union, 11 children were bore: Frankie Lee Garcia (Lacy), Betty Elizabeth Garcia (Gray), Joe Howard Garcia, Jo Ann Garcia (Jones), Jesse Brent Garcia, Charles Bernard Garcia, Kimberly Elaine Garcia (Fields), and Gerald Lewis Garcia. Three children, a son and a set of twins, were conceived but did not survive. One of her greatest joys was motherhood; she took great pride in managing her home, her children were her highest priority.

With her family, Mildred resided in Shepard Gardens for many years until relocating to the Acres Home Community in 1962. The family dwelling at 2534 Glen Street was built by Mr. and Mrs. Mildred Garcia, and would remain her home for the next 40 years. Mildred was a keystone member in her community, leaving a lasting impression on all that she encountered. The memories, experiences, and lessons provided at this home have been instrumental in the upbringing of future generations stemming from the Garcia descendants. Mildred was a longstanding member of Wright Grove Missionary Baptist Church. After many years of witnessing Mildred’s unyielding faith in God and her dedication to the ministry, the honorable Reverend Leon Ford anointed her as a minister in 1996. Minister Mildred Garcia preached one of her most empowering and unforgettable sermons, “Bulldog Faith” at Wright Grove. She frequently spoke at Women’s Day’s events, spreading words of joy, healing, empowerment, and encouragement. Her favorite scriptures were John 11:25-26 and Psalms 91. Pastor Isaac Ford, youngest son of the late Pastor Leon Ford, describes Mildred as “a great woman of God”. Her testament of faith continues to be echoed in all of the hearts that has ever had the opportunity to hear her speak.

After her husband, Frank Garcia, passed she would later move to The Terrace at Willowbrook, an independent living senior facility. She had the opportunity to meet many friends from all walks of life. Starting over in an unfamiliar community could not have been easy, however she adapted very quickly. Mildred was a social butterfly, adored for her good - natured personality, her unwavering faith in God, her willingness to give, and of course, her fashionable wardrobe. She even became friends with the U.S. Postal Delivery worker that delivered mail to her doo; the USPS worker was always greeted with a song and even a snack. She would later move to her current residence, The Orchard, where she resided happily until Jesus called her home.

At the age of 98, she continued to be passionate about the word of God, spreading the gospel and words of encouragement to all who encountered her. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with family, watching Dancing with the Stars, Family Feud, and the local news. She loved Joel Osteen, JJ Watt, Michael Strahan, Princess Diana, and Judge Judy. All who visited left with a monetary gift as well as words of encouragement. Mildred had such a giving spirit. She believed in the power of prayer, treating others fairly, keeping her doctor appointments, taking her medications, eating good nutritious food, and abstaining from drugs and alcohol. She credited her longevity to dedicating her life to Jesus and daily bible readings. She lived a purpose driven life. She always had a task that needed to be completed. She kept a song in her heart, casually harmonizing to a spiritual that arose in her soul. She loved to break into a spontaneous dance that she liked on the radio.

Mildred Cruise Garcia was one of a kind. She was loving, brave, humble, fearless, faithful, and optimistic. Tears would only fall from her eyes when she spoke about God’s greatness. She was a strict disciplinarian. She expected her children to be respectful of others and follow the rules of life. She protected her family by all means, always caring of their whereabouts and well being. She had fight in her, never letting anyone mistreat her children. She taught everyone how to persevere in the midst of adversity. Mildred Cruise Garcia was as take –charge, well-dressed woman, whose presence commanded the room. No one could ever forget those black Crocodile Heels.

On March 8, 2024, the Lord called Mrs. Mildred Cruise Garcia home. At the graceful age of 98, she entered into the pearly gates peacefully and unafraid. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her husband, Frank “Bat” Garcia; son, Joe Howard Garcia; and her daughter, and Betty Elizabeth “BB” Garcia-Gray. She is survived by her children: Mrs. Frankie Lee Lacy, Mrs. JoAnn Garcia- Jones (Peter Jones, MD), Mr. Jesse Garcia (Tresa Garcia), Mr. Charles Garcia, Mrs. Kimberly Fields (Kevin Fields), and Mrs. Gerald Garcia (Maribel Garcia), and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren.

In a letter to her daughter, Jo Ann, she wrote: “The devil is a liar. I get my Bible and I preach to him; I tell him all about himself, his Papa and his Mama. I know more about him than he knows about me. ”. She had an incredible sense of humor and could make you laugh. She reminisced on the history of old Bellaire that would keep you engrossed in stories of the prejudices that she faced and overcame growing up during that era. She learned to walk tall and “Carry a Big Stick.” She has lived an incredibly long life and has left a legacy that will continue on for generations to come. We are thankful for all of the years that God gifted her to us. Mildred loved hard, and in returned she was loved and adored. We will miss the phone calls, the long conversations, the mailed birthday cards, the spiritual words of encouragement, her warm smile, and those much-needed hugs, among many others sentiments provided by Mildred. Mama, we love you dearly, and we will miss you everyday.

A visitation for Mildred will be held Friday, March 15, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Brookside Funeral Home - Champion, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068. A celebration of life will occur Friday, March 15, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068. A repast will occur Friday, March 15, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068.