Irma Carlota Sturm

Irma Carlota Sturm, 87 of Houston, TX, was “promoted to glory” on 3/23/2026. She was born in Iturbide, Nuevo León, México on April 5, 1938, to the parents of Aureliano Velasco Solis and María García Rojas.

Irma attended Instituto Comercial Reynosa and received a Commercial Accountant degree.

She met Alfred Walter Sturm, a veteran of both the Navy & Air Force in Houston, TX, and they married in 1975. Ms. Irma worked in various occupations throughout her life. As a child, she worked with her mother as a migrant farmer. Later, at an orphanage in Galveston, as a nanny in Houston, as a store clerk and as bookkeeper for her husband's print shop.

Irma had a passion for all kinds of crafts. Neighbors, church family and friends were all regularly blessed with the little keepsakes she would make.

In 1993 or 94, Ms Irma was invited by a friend to the Seniors group at Houston Temple Corps of The Salvation Army. There she found a home and a family. She became a soldier, (member) June 2, 1995, proudly and faithfully serving her Lord Jesus for nearly 31 years, doing whatever she could, Seniors, Angel Tree, Bell Ringing, Kettles, kitchen, etc. She was the Welcome Sergeant for many years, greeting members and visitors alike with her warm smile and sweet spirit. If the doors were open, you could count on Ms Irma to be there and to be doing something. In fact, often times she was the first one there, waiting outside for the doors to be opened!

She was a charter member of the William Booth Gardens for senior living apartments, living there for 26 years, serving in several roles and being part of a strong, supportive and loving community.

Ms. Irma is preceded in death by her parents, her three older brothers, Miguel Velasco García, José Sapug García, and Juan Sánchez García and her nephew Aureliano Velasco Villasana.

Irma is survived by two nieces, Ma Amparo Velasco Villasana & Irma Beatriz Velasco Villasana, one nephew, Miguel Velazco Villazana, two grand-nieces and one grandnephew.

Pallbearers:

Majors Victor Valdes & Roman Leal, Captain Peter Kang, Corps Sergeant Major Phil Severson, Soldiers Jesus Soriano, Michael Wanjala and Will Sherwood

Honorary Pallbearers: Rogelio Rivera and Soldier José Robledo

Donations: Donations to the Salvation Army are requested in lieu of flowers

Special Thanks: To Ms. Irma’s neighbors at Booth Gardens/Bell Crest Apartments for being there for her for many years. It was a special bond that can only form over time. To her many friends in the Seniors group with whom she enjoyed doing life together. To her church family, The Salvation Army, unified in Christ, committed to love through service. In particular the “Care Team” of Captains Kang and Soldiers Jesus Soriano and Marjory Severson who provided more focused support when she needed it most. Lastly, the wonderful caregivers, Maria, Monica, Irma (Eli), Guadalupe and others who, with loving compassion and capable care, enabled Ms. Irma to remain at home for two more years. You became like daughters to her and she became like a mother to you.

Ms. Irma thanked Jesus for you all each and every day.