Manuela Hernandez Mar

Manuela Hernandez Mar, born December 20, 1921 in rural Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2017 in Albuquerque, NM. Her parents, Angela Reyes de Guerrero and Jose Maria Hernandez, both succumbed to illnesses early in their lives, leaving 8 year old Manuela in the care of family in El Paso, TX.

Her family was her biggest joy: mother of seven, grandmother of 23, great grandmother of 33, and great-great grandmother of one (with another on the way later this year). A devout southern Baptist for her entire adult life, she was a warrior for Jesus Christ for worship at home, church, and especially mission work in Juarez. Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ben Mar, and son, Lee Mar. She is survived by Santiago Mar of Corpus Christi, TX, Alfredo Marr (Irene) of Twenty-Nine Palms, CA, Mae Mar Skatzes of El Paso, TX, Marcela (Don) Martin of Rockwall, TX, Leila Mar of El Paso, TX, and Nina (Paul) Herzog of Albuquerque, NM, and many others in her extended family. Early in their marriage, she worked alongside her husband in their Chinese restaurant. When her husband developed debilitating health conditions, she returned to school and received her cosmetology license. After her husband’s passing, to support her family, she continued work as a hair stylist for many years. What friends and family remember most is her sweet demeanor, tenacious spirit and unwavering faith. A longtime member of Grant Ave Baptist Church and later Immanuel Baptist Church in El Paso, she delighted in singing in the choir, especially performing in concert musicals. She was an active member of the Women’s Missionary Union. Mission work was her calling since she participated in the development of Grant Avenue Baptist Church from a Chinese mission to a designated Baptist church of the Southern Baptist Convention. She volunteered for mission work in Juarez; often ministering to women and small children. She enthusiastically studied to increase her biblical knowledge at the IBBI (International Baptist Bible Institute) well into her senior years. Participating in the “Primetimer” group at Immanuel gave her much joy and fellowship. She was a spiritual role model for her family, with hopes that, in turn, they would pass on her legacy of faith and community. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Lottie Moon offering at Immanuel Baptist church or at your local church. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 am at Immanuel Baptist Church on Monday, March 13, 2017. Graveside Service and Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Service under the direction of Hillcrest Funeral Home 1060 North Carolina Dr. 598-3332.