Lucille Favila Santana

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church in Abilene, with Father Reggie Odima officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park where she will be laid to rest with her husband. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Rosary at 6:00 PM all in the chapel of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.

Lucille was born on September 22, 1929, into what was known as “The World’s greatest generation”. Lucille was the 2nd child of 8 born to the late Frederico and Pauline (Castro) Favila in Sonora, Texas. Her family eventually moved to Plainview where she grew up surrounded by a large extended family. From a young age Lucille loved to dance and met a young Navy Sailor, George Santana, at a dance. They danced through life for almost 50 years before his passing in 2000. They married on March 22, 1952, in Plainview, Texas. They settled and started their family in Plainview where George, Jr., Rosa and Leticia were born, then moved to Lubbock where Melinda was born. In 1958 they moved to Abilene following her husband’s career and Rocky was born. The family eventually consisted of three daughters and two sons.

Once Lucille got adjusted in Abilene she became an integral part of the community. In the early years she was a part of the initial efforts to create equality among minorities in Abilene. She had been active with VFW Auxiliary Post 2012. She was also a life member and volunteer with American G.I. Forum of Texas where she led many service-oriented projects. She worked several jobs through the years to include The Community Action Program, Green Thumb Program from 1988-1992, and ABC Program MH-MR. When her son opened his businesses, she was always there to help with auto detailing and working in his bar.

She loved to have fun. She maintained a very active social life with her husband and close group of friends. She always enjoyed having a good time.

She had also been a longtime member of St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church. She often encouraged her grandchildren with prayers and scriptures. She will be remembered by her family for brutal honesty and doing things her way. You never had to wonder what she was thinking. She would always say goodbye with the sign of the cross and "Que Dios te Vendiga" or "God Bless You". Her life is a testament to faith, family, hard work and resilience.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George Santana, Sr.; beloved son, Rojelio “Rocky” Santana, Sr.; grandson, Roger King Jr.; brothers, Speedy Favila, Fred Favila, Jr., Armando Favila and Edmundo Favila; sisters, Lydia Razo and Rosalia Zuniga.

Lucille is survived by her only surviving sibling, Delores La Fuente; her children, George Santana, Jr. and his wife Sylvia, Rosa Valenzuela and her husband Martin, Leticia Hightower and her husband, George, Sr. and Melina King and her husband Clayton; 16 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, and nephews.