Tomasa Rivera

She was born in La Cuidad de Juarez on December 21, 1950 to Emilia Chavez and Miguel Muro. Following her mother as she worked in the states to provide for her and her sister, they both came to live in the city of Van Horn, Texas on January 12, 1971.

She met Raul Rivera and the two were married shortly after on August 25, 1973. They were married for 28 years until he passed on February 2, 2001. They moved to Odessa in the spring of 1976, where they had their family. She worked as a teacher’s aide at the Odessa College Children’s Center and Headstart. During that time earning 3 certificates at Odessa College and an associate and bachelor’s degree at UTPB.

She was a strong woman of God, never losing her faith during so many difficulties in her life. She overcame Lupus during 1995-1996 and kidney cancer just last November. She was deemed cancer free in the beginning of August 2023. Praising God in her every step.

She had a heart of gold, always thinking of others more than herself, especially her children and grandchildren. To her family was very special. Always asking if we needed anything and asking how we were doing as a family. She was and will always be truly a blessing. Anyone that met her knew right away how special she was.

She is survived by her sister Maria (Fernando) Tarango. Her children: Jolene Rangel, Raul Rivera Jr., Erica (Hector) Cruz, Isaiah (Pam) Rivera. Her heart; her grandchildren: Xavier Jefferson, Alicia Cruz, Aliyah Rangel and Seth Rangel and of course (her sidekick) Sparkles and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Raul Rivera Sr., her mother Emilia Jacquez, and granddaughter Destiny Cruz.

Thank You for thoughts and prayers at this time.

A visitation for Tomasa will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM at Odessa Funeral Home, 1700 N Jackson Ave, Odessa, Texas 79761. A chapel service lead by Pastor Daniel Sanchez at Odessa Funeral Home will occur Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 1:00 PM, 1700 N Jackson Ave, Odessa, Texas 79761. A burial will occur Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Ector County Cemetery, 300 S Dixie Blvd, Odessa, Texas 79761.

Serving as pallbearers are Xavier Jefferson, Hector Cruz, Seth Rangel, Isaiah Rivera, Raul Rivera Jr. and Blas Rangel Jr.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.odessafuneralhome.com for the Rivera family.