Gloria Ann Gonzalez

Gloria was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family. She married the love of her life, Benjamin Gonzalez, on April 1, 1966, in Aransas Pass, Texas, and together they shared 60 years of marriage.

Gloria dedicated her life to caring for her family and was a homemaker by choice and by heart. She made lunch for her husband every morning until his retirement, always finding ways to care for the people she loved. Her family was her number one priority, and there was very little she wouldn’t do for them.

Gloria was known for her beautiful smile, generous heart, and, most of all, her cooking. She was famous for her Thanksgiving dinners and the many special dishes she lovingly prepared for her family, including her potato salad, dressing, birthday cakes, and homemade pumpkin pies. Family gatherings and cookouts were among her favorite memories, and her kitchen was often at the center of them.

She also enjoyed dancing, attending weddings and quinceañeras, going out to eat, especially at Olive Garden and Mexican restaurants and spending time shopping at places like the mall, Target and Kohl’s. She loved having her nails done, watching old Western movies, enjoying fireworks, and cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events. She especially treasured time spent with her family and loved creating memories with them.

Gloria’s love extended beyond her immediate family. She adored her brothers and sisters, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Baby, who was her cherished companion. She had a way of putting everyone else before herself, and her family will always remember the love, laughter, meals, traditions, and memories she created for them.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Martin Nesmith Zepeda and Alice Alba Zepeda; her sister, Alice Vasquez; her brother, Martin Alba Zepeda Jr.; and her beloved grandson, Sammy Cruz.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Benjamin Gonzalez; her children, Geneva Cruz (Robert), Annette Garcia (Leon), Jimmy Naranjo (Cindy), and Yvonne Cruz (Alex); her cherished grandchildren, Crissie, Veronica, Eddie Jr., Valerie, Joshua, Jared, Caroline Grace, Ann-Jeanette, Aaron, Emily, and Tyler; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Richard Zepeda (Olivia), George Zepeda (Janie), Gilbert Zepeda, and Diane Flores (Alfred), as well as numerous extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Gloria’s primary caregiver and granddaughter, Crissie Godines, and her husband, Tomas Godines, who cared for Gloria with extraordinary love and compassion. To her family, they were truly angels.

Gloria will be remembered for her warm smile, her generous spirit, her love of cooking, and the way she made family feel like the most important thing in the world. Her presence brought comfort and joy to those around her, and the memories she created will live on through the generations.

And for those who knew Gloria best, there is one phrase that will forever bring a smile to their faces:

“Ohh, shit!”

It was Gloria’s favorite expression. A simple phrase that captured her personality and will always remind her family of her humor, her spirit, and the woman they loved so dearly.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

We love you Mommy, grandma, hunny, and Big sis!

Visitation will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415, on August 31, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by the Holy Rosary at 11:30 am and the Funeral Service at 12:00 pm. Committal and Interment will take place at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415, on August 31, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

Gloria Ann’s final resting place will be at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi.