Elvira R. Martinez

She is preceded in death by both her loving parents, as well as her brothers: Merced Renteria, Jr and his wife, Aurora; Antonio Renteria and his wife, Socorro; Robert Renteria and Jose M. Renteria. She is also preceded in death by her sisters: Genoveva R. Rios and her husband, Ambrosio Rios, Sr; Evangelina R. Barajas; Eugenia R. Barajas and her husband, Jesus D. Barajas; and Elena R. Vergara.

Dave T. Martinez served in the United States Army for three years. He came to visit his sister, who at the time lived in Baytown, TX. It was during this visit that he noticed a young girl walking to school with her friends. He asked, “Who is that girl?” She answered, “Oh, that’s Elvira” His response? “I’m going to marry that girl!” True to his word, Dave and Elvira married on October 13, 1951.

Married for nearly 50yrs, they shared many years of hard work and adventure. Most notably, after work Elvira supported her husband’s venture at Dave’s Mexican Restaurant both behind the scenes and in front, delighting dining patrons with skillful marimba serenades. Thanks to their efforts, for many years the residents of Baytown, TX enjoyed an atmosphere of good food, good friends, and wonderful music. After deciding to close the restaurant, both together and apart, they travelled extensively across the world visiting family, friends, and exploring their love of history.

At age 18, Elvira joined Southern Title as a file clerk and worked her way up to running its parent company, the Eleven-O-Four Corporation, prior to and following the death of its founder, L.C. Owens. She continued in this capacity until stepping down to care for her beloved husband, Dave. Elvira later used her expertise and worked for Birdsong Place Villas in Baytown, TX. Throughout the years, she also assisted many with title and various legal matters.

Both Dave and Elvira enjoyed listening to and playing all genres of music. Elvira played multiple instruments and, as mentioned above, was well known for her mastery of the marimba. She last displayed her talent at the 65th La Tipica anniversary in 2002 in Baytown, TX. (See Texas Escapes.com for detailed information)

She was a faithful Christian affiliated with Templo Bautista South Houston, Park Place Baptist Church, and Memorial Baptist Church. Her faith was strong, advising and assisting many in her ministry. This was evident by the fact that many, whose life she enriched kept in touch with her throughout her life.

Although Dave and Elvira did not have any children of their own, Elvira was left with a gift from her brothers and sisters: the legacy of their children. Numerous nieces and nephews experienced her genuine love throughout the years, creating many wonderful memories embedded not only in their minds but deep within their hearts.

Her life can be described as reflected by these two scriptures:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for it’s own interests, does not become provoked. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the fine fight. I have run the race to the finish, I have observed the faith. From this time on, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his manifestations.

Elvira passed away peacefully on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 10:15am. A prayer answered from above.

The Renteria family thanks the staff and friends at Birdsong Villas Apartments, The Waterford at Baytown, and Harbor Hospice House of Houston for their tremendous love and expertise in the care of Elvira during this past year as well as to the many, many devoted friends who never left her side.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Care Ministry Team of Memorial Baptist Church will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Penny Robinson at 281.427.1725, ext 208 or go to https://www.memorialbaytown.com/give/ (under “Comment (optional)”, please write: Elvira Martinez).

The service will be held on November 24, 2021, at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023. Visitation will begin at 10am.