Aviana Marie Canales

Aviana (GiGi) Canales, age 18, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. Aviana was born on September 28, 2004, to parents Melanie Herrera and Ernest (KC) Canales Sr, in San Antonio, Texas. Aviana was described as a loving, artistic, and thoughtful person.

Aviana completed barber school in May 2023. She enjoyed giving back and giving amazing haircuts to those in need. GiGi was loved mostly for her witty and sarcastically honest attitude. She was known to be the first in line in volunteering for the hard stuff and accomplished everything she ever set her sights on. She was the greatest friend to have because she didn’t mind hurting your feelings with her brutal honesty and call you out when you were wrong. GiGi was a nurturer by nature and was always willing to give her all to help.

Aviana is survived by her parents Melanie (Eric) Herrera and Ernest (Sophia) Canales Sr; brothers, Manuel (Emelia) Sydell and Ernest “Kanos” (Maria) Canales Jr, Aric “AJ” Herrera, and sister Treasure Herrera. She is also survived by her 3 foster siblings; Aviana leaves behind her favorite little humans, nieces, Sophia, Mariah, Destiny, Charlotte and her 4 Nephews, Gionny, Keno, Manuel Jr, and Kairo, her Grandparents Abel (Lydia) Ramirez, Diana Canales, Marina Chambers, Maria Avila and Julian Reyna, Aunts Amanda Ramirez, Heavyn Sanchez, Renee Cueto, Leslie Balderas, Kristy Avila, Julia Cantu, Monica Agueros, Samantha (Oscar) Martinez and Amanda Sydell, Uncles Marc Sydell II, Matthew Ramirez, Orion Ramirez, Christopher Pike and Joel Sydell. GiGi leaves behind her numerous cousins, their spouses and 2nd cousins from both sides of her blended family… GiGi was proceeded in death by her maternal grandmother, Charlotte Reyna, Aunts Stephanie Bernal and Celia Lopez, and Uncle Albert Balderas.

A heartfelt thank you to Gregory Alexander, Rafalita Avalos, Sonia Jackson, Priscilla Aguilar and Veronica Maldonado.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 22nd, 2023, from 12pm-7pm. We are asking that we celebrate her featuring her favorite colors Red, Black & Gold.

FUNERAL SERVICEMONDAY, MAY 22, 20235:00 PMNEW DIRECTION CHURCH1139 GEMBLER ROAD

Pastor (Aviana’s Mentor, Instructor and Personal Friend) Timothy Torres will officiate. Pallbearers Ernest Canales Sr, Ernest Canales Jr, Jon Kross Perez, Eric Herrera, Manuel Sydell, and Michael Bustamante. (Honorary Pallbearers) Alberto Balderas & Anselmo Aguilera Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cut & Shave Barber College, to Sponsor a struggling student.