Leonila A. Zavala

Leonila “Nila” A. Zavala, 83, passed away at her home in Fort Worth, surrounded by loved ones on Friday, November 4, 2016. She was born to the late, Santiago and Leonor Ramirez Acosta on January 17, 1933 in San Angelo, Texas. Nila married Pablo Zavala on February 14, 1983 also in San Angelo. They were married 19 years at the time of his death and would have celebrated their 34th anniversary this year. Nila was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was known as a dedicated prayer warrior. Her faith and strong will is undoubtedly why she was able to endure 18 years of dialysis. She never gave in to her illness, but instead lived her life to the fullest. She was inspirational to all who knew her. Nila enjoyed spending time in her garden, planting flowers, fishing, and tending to her parakeets. She was always happy and could be found often times, whistling while she tried out the newest recipe she had learned from the cooking shows on television. Her family never knew what they would be trying from her time watching and cooking, but were always happy to be her testers. Nila worked for many years at Shirley Floral Company, Ridgeway Florist, and Immanuel Episcopal Church, before retiring to Fort Worth with family. Nila will be missed greatly and will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Felipe, Mike, Jimmy, Juan, and Geronimo Acosta; and sisters, Trinidad Corasco, Maria Ramirez, and Luica Rojas.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, Mario Acosta (Carolyn), Ricardo Acosta (Renee), Eddie Zavala (Maria), Charlie Zavala (Clara), Johnny Zavala, Oralia Acosta Luna (Isaac), and Charles Edward Zavala; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A rosary will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 in the Johnson’s Funeral Chapel. Visitation will follow. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 10, 2016 in the St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fa. Emilio Sosa officiating. Interment will follow in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery, San Angelo. Shane Cardenas, Chris Cardenas, Ricardo "Richie" Acosta, Jr., Joe Acosta, Jr., Fructoso Montemayor, Lupe Sanchez, Jr., and Mario “A.J.” Acosta, Jr. will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and photos online at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com .

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the American Red Cross for bringing Nila’s grandson home for her funeral services. Arrangements were handled especially for the Acosta-Zavala family under the care of Johnson’s Funeral Home of San Angelo.