Juanita graduated from San Jacinto High School and began her career at the Houston Chronicle on August 1, 1969. She dedicated 40 years of service to the newspaper, working as an Accounts Receivable Supervisor. Throughout her career, she demonstrated dedication and commitment, leaving behind a lasting legacy of hard work and perseverance.
On October 13, 1968, Juanita married her beloved husband, Celestino Lira. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, companionship, and cherished memories.
Juanita enjoyed following all of Houston’s professional sports teams, especially the Houston Astros. She also loved watching television, particularly her favorite game show, The Price Is Right. Music brought her happiness, but above all, Juanita treasured her family and the time she spent with those she loved. Her family held a special place in her heart, and she will be remembered for the love and care she shared with those around her.
Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, Jose R. Garcia and Paula Zamora, and her beloved sister, Maria Guadalupe DeLaO.
She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Celestino Lira; her brother, Jose Luis Garcia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends who loved her and will forever cherish the memories they shared with her.
Juanita will be remembered for her dedication to her career, her love of family, her favorite pastimes, and the many meaningful relationships she built throughout her life. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she shared and the memories she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
May her memory be cherished always, and may the love she gave to others remain a lasting comfort to those she leaves behind.
A Rosary Service will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Crespo, 2516 Navigation Blvd., Houston, TX 77003, on November 4, 2026, at 7:00 pm, followed by Visitation at the same location on November 4, 2026, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, and again on November 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.
A Committal Service will take place at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, on November 5, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
Pallbearers will be Joe Garcia, Edward Garcia, Mark Cruz, Jesus Ortiz Garcia, Damian Ruiz, and Mario Lira, with honorary pallbearers Jose Arizpe and Jordan Garcia.
