Gloria B. Lucas

Born in Brownsville, Texas, Jan. 1, 1925, was married to John M. Lucas for 56 years. Gloria along with her husband were migrant farm workers, traveling to numerous northern states, following the crops. It was in these campsites that she learned her profession as a partera (Lay-Midwife). She worked along side local doctors helping deliver the farm worker's children. When back in Brownsville, Texas, she worked for many years at Shell Tex. Shrimp Industries as a "Camaronera". Also in Brownsville, she established Gloria Esmeralda Birthing Center where she delivered countless babies to low income mothers who resided throughout the United States and Mexico. Gloria was featured in "Border Babies", a documentary that highlighted the many issues with babies born along the Mexican-American border. Gloria was passionate about her calling as a partera and many times delivered babies at no-cost. Her healing hands were used by God to help those thought to be sterile, to become fertile mothers. She also served as a grass-roots child advocate for adoption of abandoned or unwanted children to loving homes. To her neighbors and friends in the Villa Verde Barrio, she was known as the "wise consejera" that provided love, wisdom, and a hot meal anytime anyone was in need. Throughout her 90 years, Gloria B. Lucas impacted and motivated many countless lives to seek professions in the medical and social services fields. She was a true people's champion and leader to her people. Admired by many and loved by all. The family wishes to convey speical sentiments of gratitude to Mi Jardin Adult Daycare, who provided joy to her heart and genuine care, Spanish Meadows, Dr. Alberto Almeida, Dr. Gaytan, Dr. Z., for her excellent care when dealing with her Alziemer's Condition, to the nurses and staff and Valley Regional Medical Center for your exceptional care, attention, and patience.

Mrs. Lucas is preceded in death by her parents, Maria Paz and Eusebio Bernal; brothers, Juan Bernal, Conrado Bernal, and Estanislao Bernal; sister, Gavina Cavazos; husband, John M. Lucas; sons, Juan Jose Lucas, Jorge Lucas, and Roberto Lucas; grandsons, Tommy Garza, Jesus Mario Perez Jr., Stephen Lucas Jr., and Jorge Lucas Jr.; and great grandchildren, Lucas Isaiah Mata, Michael Andrew Perez Jr., Cain and Abel Frutis, George Alonzo Reyes, and Alexjandrina Maria Reyes.

Gloria is survived by her loving children, Maria Elena Lucas, Yolanda L. (Eduardo) Hinojosa, Norma D. Heiner, Stephen B. (Gladys) Lucas, Ernesto (Martha) Lucas, Ramiro (Rosie) Lucas, Mary Jane (Jose) Hernandez, Esmeralda (Aurelio) Cortes, Diana Lucas--Joe (Davin), Rene Lucas, David (Yolanda) Lucas, Daniel Lucas, and Gloria Dina (Jesus Mario) Perez; stepdaughter, Gracie Rubio; 67 grandchildren; 153 great grandchildren; and 72 great great granchildren, giving her a total of 309 decendents.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 20, 2015 from 4:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. with a Rosary to be conducted at 7:00p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista.

Mass will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 1:00p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church (555 W. St. Francis), followed by committal service at Buena Vista Burial Park.

Those who wish to contribute to the fight against Alziemer's are encouraged to make donations to the Alziemer's Association in Memory of Gloria B. Lucas.

You may view the obituary of Gloria B. Lucas at www.MeM.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, cemeteries, and mausoleums. 125 McDavitt Blvd., Brownsville, Texas 78521 (956) 541-5400. Dignity Memorial Provider.