Grace Garnica

Grace Garnica, 68, of Dallas, Texas, was born July 26, 1958, in Dallas, Texas, and passed away on September 23, 2026. Grace will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection for a life marked by steady devotion, quiet strength, and a sincere care for others that was freely given and never self-serving.

From her earliest years, Grace approached life as a committed student and a lifelong learner. She attended Obahiah Knight Elementary, W.E. Greiner Middle School, and Sunset High School, and continued her education at El Centro College and Eastfield College. Her diligence and patience were evident in the way she kept learning, always valuing the discipline and wisdom that come from continued growth.

Grace was a naturally talented artist whose creativity found a professional home in graphic arts. She applied her gifts with honesty and hard work, building a career as a graphic artist for several printing companies and later working for Lockheed Martin. Those who knew her recognized not only her talent, but also her thoughtful reliability—someone who could be counted on to do what needed doing, and to do it well.

Grace’s family life was central to who she was. She was the beloved wife of Bill Elliott Laxson for 34 years, and a devoted mother to daughters Ashley Nichole Foley (granddaughters Karly & Chloe Foley) and Melissa Marie Laxson. Grace was preceded in death by her father, Mario Garnica, and her mother, Mary Louise Casarez Sanchez. She is also survived by her siblings Hilda Garnica (Lawrence deceased), John Glenn Garnica (Amy), and Raquel Garnica Johnson (Roy), along with many nieces and nephews. Her loyalty ran deep, and her presence carried the kind of steady, compassionate support that families lean on in both ordinary days and difficult seasons.

Grace’s interests reflected a richly creative spirit and an appreciation for beauty in many forms. She loved oil painting, pottery, and photography, and she enjoyed traveling, camping, and attending concerts of her favorite artists. She played the piano and dearly loved her dogs. Grace also took pleasure in good food and wine, and she delighted in the charm of silent films, classic movies, and James Bond. Her favorite actors included Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton, and she enjoyed familiar favorites such as The Three Stooges, Felix the Cat, and I Love Lucy—often bringing laughter with a warm, well-timed sense of humor that made her genuinely fun to be around.

Grace’s faith was a constant source of grounding and peace. She valued the teachings of Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen, and she found comfort in the messages of Pastor M. Roy Johnson at Faith Temple Church. In her life, faith was not merely spoken—it was practiced through patience, generosity, and a compassionate readiness to help others. She inspired those around her with stability, wisdom, and the kind of perseverance that does not shrink from difficult tasks, but meets them with resolve and finds satisfaction in honest accomplishment. She was also remembered for her great smile, her beautiful hands, and a spirit that remained appreciative.

Grace’s family expresses enduring gratitude for the lifesaving gift from her loving sister Hilda—a generosity that will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 3050 N STEMMONS FWY, DALLAS, TX 75247, US, on October 2, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A cherished moment in Grace’s later years came on 7/26/2026, when she met Cy Curnin, the lead singer of The Fixx. He hugged her, wished her a happy birthday, and said, “Grace, may you fill us with your Grace.” She was so happy—an image that remains fitting: a life that offered warmth, sincerity, and light to others.

In the words of Scripture that held meaning for her, Numbers 6:24–26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”