Josephine G. Longoria

Josephine Gonzalez Longoria, 87, of Houston, Texas, passed peacefully from this life on November 30, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 15, 1935, in Weslaco, Texas, to Julian and Elvira Gonzalez. Her family and friends fondly called her by various nicknames including Fina, Joey and Josie.

Josephine married Teofilo “Tony” Longoria in 1956 and they eventually settled in Houston to raise their four children. She was a stay-at-home mother for many years, then later took a job as a store clerk at Kmart, where she worked until her retirement. Josephine and Tony became grandparents in 1980, after which they became known by their beloved grandchildren as Momo and Popo.

Josephine was the happiest when she was surrounded by her grandchildren. She enjoyed going to their school performances, watching them play Little League baseball, attending church with them and traveling with them. She spent many days with them at the Houston Zoo, museums, Hermann Park and day trips to the beach in Galveston. She drew much joy and strength from her grandchildren, and they all endearingly loved their Momo. Josephine was also a huge fan of the Houston Astros, telenovelas, game shows and shopping. She took great care in selecting the perfect greeting cards for her family members’ special celebrations and always wrote her own personal sentiments in each one. She was known for reading her Bible every night before bedtime and she loved listening to gospel hymns, her favorite being “Amazing Grace.”

Josephine is preceded in death by her beloved daughter and son, Linda Lynne Riojas and John David Longoria; her father and mother, Julian and Elvira; her stepfather, Jose Adame; her siblings, twins Pedro and Romanita, Lydia Gonzalez, Juan Gonzalez and Benita Gonzalez Jones.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Tony, and daughters, Yolanda Ramos and husband, Andy of Pasadena, Texas, and Benita Dryden and husband, Jeffrey of Fort Worth, Texas. She also leaves behind her son-in-law, Benny Riojas (who was married to Linda); grandchildren, Charissa Montoya and husband, Juan; Ben Riojas and wife, Emily; Aaron Dryden and wife, Melissa; Lauren Dryden, Christen Dryden, Olivia Ramos, Meagan Dryden and Jessica Dryden; great-granddaughters, Sofie and Gracie Riojas and Emerson and Adelaida Montoya.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Josephine’s niece, Samantha Gamboa Rodriguez, who compassionately helped the family care for her during her final days. The family also extends much appreciation and gratitude to Charissa and Juan Montoya, for continually assisting the family in advocating for the best medical care for their Momo.

A visitation for Josephine will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, followed by a funeral service presided over by Josephine’s son-in-law, Jeffrey Dryden, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with an additional viewing opportunity from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Longoria family.