On February 27, 2019, the world lost a woman who faithfully followed God’s call and influenced the world for Christ in so many ways. Mrs. Aida Velez, formerly of Brownsville, Texas, went to be with the Lord on February 27, 2019 at the age of 69. She was born in the Dominican Republic to Lorenzo Gil and Rosa “Ninita” Rivera on February 14, 1950.
She grew up in a large family of 12 brothers and sisters. She passed on her family history through anecdotes while cooking and laughing. She moved to New York in 1974. Aida married her high school sweetheart, Juan Velez, in 1984. They enjoyed a life full of adventures and business transactions.
Aida was a driven professional with an unmatched work ethic. She and her husband owned restaurants, clothing stores, and trucking companies. Aida was a teacher, chef, seamstress, entrepreneur, professional truck driver, and a prayer warrior. Aida was a Christian philanthropist who found joy in providing clothes and food for the needy. She led her life as a missionary and frequently traveled to rural communities spreading and teaching the Gospel. Her kitchen remained bountiful and she blessed many hearts with hot meals.
Aida enjoyed teaching biblical stories, singing, cooking, and collecting trinkets from her travels. Aida encouraged her children to go to church, forgive those who have wronged us, and live a peaceful life. She faced adversity head-on and always found a solution to setbacks. She loved to laugh, shop, and read her Bible.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lorenzo Gil and Rosa Rivera, her loving husband Juan Velez, cherished grandson Tomas Mejia Jr, her sister Layla Reyes, and her brother Lorenzo Gil.
She is survived by her children, Alexander Mejia (Mayra), Daisy Villanueva (Heriberto), Tomas Mejia (Trinity), Africo Feliz (Lindsay), and Aida Bonner (Christopher). Her grandchildren, Kelvin, David, Marielly, Freddy (Katherine), Alexander, Juan, Trinity, Shaydon, Gracin, Dimas, Daniel, and Julianna. Her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Amelia, and Benjamin. She is also survived by her nine siblings, their spouses, and numerous nieces and nephews.
When Aida was diagnosed with a rare and deadly cancer on April 1, 2018, she was not afraid. She maintained a positive demeanor and devoted to God. Few people knew she was ill as she refused to be despondent. She declared victory even during trying times. She remained brave, even throughout her final weeks. We will always remember her contagious smile, warm hugs, and delicious meals. She will always be remembered as our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loving friend. Her undying spirit taught us to be courageous even when faced with hardship.
The Visitation will be at 8 AM on Thursday, March 7 at Roy Akers Funeral Home - 515 North Main Avenue 78205 - with a Prayer Service to begin at 11 AM. A Funeral Procession will depart at the conclusion of the service and arrive at Sunset Memorial Park - 1701 Austin Highway 78218 - for burial.
