Ophelia Martinez Willborn

On Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 12:35 p.m. the angels came down from Heaven to take our beloved Mother, Ophelia Martinez Willborn to the arms of our Heavenly Father. She was surrounded by her loving family at her home and she smiled at them as the Angels whisked her away. Awaiting her in heaven were her husband, James and daughter, Mary Joyce.

Ophelia was born on July 29, 1919 in Bigfoot, Texas. She married James A. Willborn on July 24, 1937 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Charlotte, Texas. They started with only a great love for each other and no earthly possessions. They lived on ranches until after 1941 when James became a San Antonio Firefighter.

Always working hard and tending to the needs for her ten children, she always had a smile on her face. Mom took great pride in her sacrifice to send all her children to Catholic schools. She was devoted to God and her family and Mary, The Mother of Jesus Christ. You could find her late at night praying for everyone. She considered herself very wealthy because God had given her such a large family. She was very loving, giving, courageous, compassionate and extremely independent. No mother ever had a greater love for her family than our Mom. Her strong faith and work ethic were passed on to all her children.

In addition to her husband and daughter, she is also preceded in death by her great-grandchildren, Scott and Gabriel Willborn, and Angel Adams, six brothers and one sister.

Ophelia is survived by five sons and four daughters, Roy Willborn Pat, James Willborn Carrie, Elsie Adams Tom, Lois Cortines Lance, Sally Ramirez Henry, Richard Willborn Jan, Frank Willborn Velma, Roger Willborn Jay, and Darlene Willborn; thirty eight grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins she loved deeply, along with a great friendship and love for Bishop John Yanta and Father Jimmy Drennan.