Minerva "Minnie" Davila

Minerva Rodriguez Davila was born May 21, 1930 in New Gulf, Texas to Rafael and Clotilde Rodriguez. On January 9, 2022, surrounded by her family, our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother joined our Heavenly Father.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Santa Teresa Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Rest-Ever Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 pm with a rosary service at 7:00 pm Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Minnie, as she was known to all, graduated from Boling High School. During her high school years, Minnie played basketball and was on the volleyball A-team. She was an active member of the Future Homemakers of America and The Spanish Club.

Minnie attended Wharton Jr. College. She also attended The Institution of Belleza in Monterrey, Mexico where she obtained her beauticians license.

In 1953, Minnie married Arthur L. Davila. In 1956, Minnie and Arthur moved their family to Bryan, TX. They had five children; Arthur Jr, Yvonne (Bonnie), Ralph, Doris and Arthur.

Minnie was a champion for her children, supporting their endeavors in school as well as the community. She was extremely involved in Bowie School, where all her children attended. Minnie was president of the Parent Teacher Association, head of the “Bowie School Enchilada Dinner” and volunteered as the self-appointed hall monitor. She loved “her” Bowie School and was a voice for all the children.

Minnie was an active member of Santa Theresa Catholic Church since 1956. She was a member of The Guadalupanas Society. She also provided her time and talents to the annual Jamaicas. Minnie helped for many years with catechism classes at Santa Theresa Catholic Church.

Minnie was a founding member of EL Club Social, an organization which provided the hispanic community with a voice and supported local youth with scholarships. Minnie also volunteered at St. Joseph Regional Hospital and The Amigos del Valle de Brazos. Minnie believed strongly in keeping our senior citizens active and involved in the community.

Minnie worked as an election judge beginning in the late 60’s at Bowie School. One of her primary roles at the polls was translating for the Hispanic Community.

Minnie retired after working for 25 years for The Texas Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services Division. Minnie provided translation services during home visits to the elderly and sick. Minnie’s continued work in the Hispanic community was her passion.

Minnie was the recipient of the Hispanic Forum Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Her husband, Arthur L. Davila was also a recipient of this award in 1999.

Minnie Davila was a true role model. She believed in supporting “her” community, as she demonstrated through all her volunteer endeavors. One of her proudest moments was the community honoring her late husband by the naming of Arthur L. Davila Middle School. She considered this a legacy for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Minnie promoted a love for life, as shown through her smile and kindness to everyone. Minnie loved traveling, socializing, and helping those in need, but most of all she loved her family.

She is survived by daughter, Doris Davila (Roger) Smith; sons, Ralph Davila and wife Dora, Arthur Davila; grandchildren, Bonnie Davila, Lisa Davila Mendez, Robert Casey, Molly Smith, Elisa Davila; great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Kamille Mendez, Rydge, Jaxson and Maddox Casey; sisters, Ninfa Luera, Rosalinda Steely, Blanca “Dolly” Fernandez and husband Carl; sisters-in-law, Olivia Rodriguez, Doris Rodriguez.

Minerva is preceded in death by her, husband Arthur L. Davila; daughter, Yvonne “Bonnie” Davila; son, Arthur L. Davila, Jr.; parents, Rafael Rodriguez and Clotilde Uribe Rodriguez; daughter-in-law, Claire Davila; sisters, Yolanda (Domingo) Montelongo, Olga (Camillo) Gomez, Enriqueta Mercado and Lilia Villarreal; brothers, Oscar Rodriguez, Maruca Rodriguez, Roland Rodriguez, Robert (Mary) Rodriguez; brother-in-laws, David Luera.

The Davila Family would like to thank the staff at The Carriage Inn for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank Brazos Valley Hospice and HealthQuest Home Health Agency.

Donations in Minnie’s honor can be made to Arthur L. Davila Middle School, in care of The Hispanic Forum, P.O. Box 4294, Bryan, TX 77805. A scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior that attended Arthur L. Davila Middle School.