Maria Socorro Molina

Maria Socorro Molina, 92 of Lawrenceville, passed away January 18, 2026. Maria was truly a pioneer, as she opened the first Mexican restaurant in Atlanta back in the 1970s, which she aptly named Maria's. Her husband, the professional wrestler El Mongol, brought an additional layer of charm to the establishment. The restaurant's walls were adorned with posters advertising his matches, and the place was filled with his belts and trophies, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Maria's restaurant was a family business, with all her children working there. It first opened its doors in 1970 at the Georgia Motel in Doraville. A few years later, they moved to a new location in Chamblee on Peachtree Industrial. Their journey didn't stop there, as the restaurant continued to thrive, eventually moving to Beaver Ruin Rd. in Norcross and then to Griffin, GA.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Raul Lozano Molina and sons, Raul Lozano Molina Jr., Rudy Molina She is survived by her son, Rene Molina; daughters and sons-in-law, Blanca and Alvaro Rodriguez, Maria and Jacob Falkenberg; daughter-in-law, Susan Molina; 15 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sister, Hortencia; and brother, Manuel Saucedo . Funeral services will be Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2 o’clock at The Sunrise Chapel of Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Hwy., Sandy Springs, GA 30328.