Gloria Zavala

With full hearts and deep love, we celebrate the beautiful life of Gloria Zavala, who passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, in Wharton, Texas, at the remarkable age of 91 years young. Gloria was born on February 21, 1934, in Houston, Texas, to Luis Lara and Ygnacia Lugo.

Gloria was raised by her mother and stepfather, Marcos Serrato, along with her brothers, Luis Lara Jr., Noe, Marcos, Isaac, Joe, Jesse, and her sister Guadalupe Serrato. Gloria’s mother taught her to read and write in Spanish from the Bible, planting in her a lifelong devotion to God and prayer.

Gloria married the love of her life, Louis Zavala Sr., and together they built a family rooted in faith, strength, and unconditional love. A woman of grace and resilience, Gloria lived a life filled with purpose - devoted to her loved ones, her faith, and the joy she found in simple, meaningful moments. Along with Louis, Gloria raised seven children; Mary, Rosie, Louis, Becky, Moses, David, and Linda - each one carrying a piece of her heart, her lessons, and her quiet resilience. She was the constant light in their lives: the one who prayed for them daily, who listened without judgment, and who loved without limits.

Her legacy only grew as the years passed. Gloria was blessed with many grandchildren (35), great-grandchildren (90), and even great-great grandchildren (41), each one touched by her gentle humor, warm presence, and the kind soul that defined her. In a world that often rushes past moments, she taught all of us to slow down and cherish them - to appreciate every gathering, every hug, every shared meal.

Throughout her life, she worked with her hands and her heart: - working in the WCJC cafeteria and Alabama Road School making bread, also making fresh donuts in the early morning hours at a local donut shop, and providing caregiving to her own mother and others in their times of need. Once she traveled as a nanny with a family she cared for - adventures that took her to Colorado and even a Diana Ross concert.

Gloria’s heart expressed itself through service. She was known for her delicious tamales, tender caregiving, and the way she lifted every home with her presence. She nurtured beautiful flowers in her garden, prayed deeply and daily for every one of her family members, and never hesitated to lend her strength. She was feisty, sassy, loving, kind, and strong; A woman who loved dancing, traveling, and being surrounded by the people she cherished most. Her life was full, bright, and deeply rooted in the love she poured into her family.

To us, she was more than a matriarch. She was our safe place, our storyteller, our reminder that goodness can be quiet and still change everything. She lived simply, but she loved enormously - and that love will echo through our family for generations to come.

Gloria’s life was a testament to faith, humility, and devotion. Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate the beautiful journey she walked with grace, and the countless lives she touched along the way.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Ignacia Lugo Serrato, stepfather, Marcos Serrato, her husband Louis Zavala Sr., her siblings Luis and Issac Serrato, her daughter Becky Flores, and her grandchildren Yvonne, Jason, and Michael Zavala.

Her legacy lives on through her loving children—Mary, Rosie, Louis Jr., Becky (deceased), Moses, David, and Linda—as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry her love, prayers, and strength within them.

A Celebration of Gloria’s Life will be held at Restwood Funeral Home, 1038 W. Plantation Drive, Clute, Texas 77531.

Viewing:

Monday, November 24, 2025

5:00–8:00 PM

Funeral Service:

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

10:00 AM

Pallbearers: Jody Malone, Moses Zavala, David Zavala, Thomas Sedillo, Joel Flores, Manuel De Los Santos, Julio Zavala Jr., and Christian Favela

As we gather to honor Gloria, we give thanks for the years we were blessed to feel her love, her wisdom, and her unwavering faith. Her presence will forever live within each of us, and her spirit will continue to guide and protect her family, just as she prayed for us every night