Zulema "La Negra" Rodriguez Reyes

Zulema “La Negra” Rodriguez Reyes began her beautiful journey of life January 30, 1943 in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico and ended that Journey March 22, 2014 in Odessa with her family by her side. She resided in Dallas, El Paso, but would eventually call Odessa her home in 1979. She is preceded in death by the love of her life of 33 years, husband Manuel Reyes, parents Juan and Pilar Rodriguez, and sisters Dora Tarin, Alicia Garcia, Delma Rodriguez, Elia Ortega, and Socorro Rodriguez. A devoted sister, mother, grandmother, and friend she is survived by: her brother Juan Rodriguez, sisters Belia Munoz, and Hortencia Mendoza; son Fernando Reyes and daughter-in-law Tina Reyes, grandchildren Devyn Reyes, Jeylon Reyes, Keslyn Reyes, Ashton Reyes, Peyton Reyes, and Eryn Reyes; daughter Brenda Chavez and son-in law Raymond Chavez Jr., grandchildren Erika Chavez, Brandon Chavez, his wife Nathalie Chavez, and great grandson Gavin Chavez. Zulema was loved by many and was full of life; people would come to know her in terms of endearment as “La Negra”, “Zule”, “Negrita” and especially our beloved “Ita” among her grandchildren. Zule’s passions included spending time with her children and grandchildren, dancing, singing, celebrating, going to movies and concerts, traveling, volunteering, giving back to the community, and socializing with friends. One of her greatest loves was music. At the age of 7 her father, a musician, taught Zulema to play the guitar; this would be a gift that she pursued up to two weeks before her passing at the age of 71. She enchanted many with her beautiful spirit, undeniable voice, and signature talent of playing the guitar over the years. She played for several Catholic Churches in Odessa for 20 years and enjoyed playing at weddings and other special occasions for family and friends. She taught and passed her passion for music to her children, grandchildren, and aspiring musicians; her legacy will continue through them in their own musical expressions and she’ll remain their biggest fan. She had an unwavering faith in God and was often quoted as saying “the day I can no longer sing and play my guitar is the day my time will come to be with our Lord”. We celebrate the journey she made and the lives she touched along the way. She leaves behind many that can attest that her presence in any occasion brought “ambiente” and “alegria”. She was the heart and comedic relief of her family and will be deeply missed. Pallbearers will be her Son: Fernando Reyes, Grandsons: Jeylon Reyes, Ashton Reyes, Brandon Chavez, Son-In-Law: Ramond Chavez Jr., Nephews: Johnny Rodriguez, Willie Mendoza Jr., & Omar Ortega, Friends and family are invited to attend a rosary Monday, March 24, 2014, 7:00 pm at Odessa Funeral Home, 1700 N Jackson Ave, Odessa, TX 79761 and Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 10:00 am, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. We would like to thank everyone for the prayers, food, floral offerings, and presence during this time. A special thanks for MCHS CCU staff (David, Kathleen, Chona, Ludi, Martha) and Hospice House staff (Nina, Mattie, Joyce, Emily, Jessica S., Nora, Neidia, Ernie, Randi, German, Monica, Yesenia, Jessica S., Jackie, Gloria, Helena, Delia, Patty, Teresa, and Robin. Services by Odessa Funeral Home