Juanita Garcia Lara

Juanita was born on May 16, 1925; to Guadalupe and Cecilia Garcia of Knickerbocker, Texas. She met the love of her life, Sebastian Reyes Lara Sr, and the two were married on April 23, 1945. From their blessed unity they had 9 beautiful children.

Juanita was our first everything…our first teacher, best friend, story teller, sleep over and everything else in between. She was our #1 and her grandchildren were her #1. Juanita never knew a stranger and was willing to do anything that she could at any time. She was the mother hen to all who she came into contact with. She was influential in the children lives that she babysat. She wanted everyone to enjoy the little things in life that she truly enjoyed. Juanita loved to crochet and cook; she was infamous for her baby blankets, banana nut bread and boy could she shell pecans. She loved to play bingo especially winning!! Her strength was indescribable. Juanita worked hard to take care of the family. She has instilled all of her values, work ethic and strength into her children to be passed down. Everyone knew when Juanita spoke she was speaking words of wisdom. She had little sayings that we continue to find ourselves saying, she is always with us.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Sebastian Reyes Lara Sr., parents Guadalupe and Cecilia Garcia, son and daughter in law Sebastian and Donna Lara, son Ustacio Lara, daughter Hope’ Lara, daughter in law Betty Lara, brother and sister in law Guadalupe and Alicia Garcia, brother and sister law Raymond and Isabel Garcia and brother in law Domingo Lopez Sr.

She is survived by her children Joe Lara (Emily) of Val Rico, FL; Margaret Garcia (Freddie) of Abilene, TX; Daniel Lara (Sara), Frankie Lara, special daughter/caregiver Amy Perez (Johnny), Jerry Lara (Irene)

and special granddaughter/caregiver Heather Perez – Castilleja all of San Angelo, TX. She is also survived by her siblings Richard Garcia of Knickerbocker, TX; Cecilia Lopez of Midland, TX; Gloria Norris of Phoenix, AZ; Richard Garcia (Virginia) and Joe Ben Garcia (Sarah) of San Angelo, TX. Juanita was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Ray Lara, Joey Lara, Johnny Perez Jr., Michael Lara, Andres Castilleja, Vaughn Lara, Julia Perez and Jennifer Lara. Honorary Pallbearers will be Heather Perez – Castilleja, Gary Lara, Dusty Lara, Shelley Lara, Stephen Lara, Anna Marie Lara, Anita Lara, Alexis Lara, Kristina Lara and Leslie Kaigler.

Rosary will be Friday November 8, 2013; at 6:00 pm at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of the Christian burial will be Saturday November 9, 2013; at 10:00am at Holy Angels Catholic Church with burial to follow in Knickerbocker, TX.

The family would like to thank Baptist Memorial/Sagecrest Alzheimer’s Care Center for their devoted care to our beloved gem, Juanita Lara. A special thanks to Diane Neira and Jamie Robbins for taking care of Juanita like she was their own. Also a special thanks to the John Walter family, Ruben Rodriguez, Kim Conner and other special friends for preparing the meal.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Baptist Memorial/Sagecrest Alzheimer’s Care Center PO Box 5661 San Angelo, TX 76902 or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com