Vertudes "Trudy" Garza Diaz

Our Matriarch, beloved Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Tia and Friend Vertudes “Trudy” Garza Diaz went to meet her heavenly father on May 13, 2023 in Houston, Tx surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born on January 24, 1932 in Yorktown, Tx to Thomas And Maria Garza.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Paul L. Diaz Sr.; Sister Modesta Garza; Brothers, Fidencio Garza, and Ernesto Garza; Best Friends, Fidela Herrera and Eliza "Licha" Gonzalez.

She is survived by her siblings, Evinia Garcia, Frank Garza, Louisa Garza, and Ernestina “Tina” Cross; daughters, Clarita “Terrie” Mendoza, Mercedes “Mercy” Garcia and husband Santos Jr.; sons, Paul L. Diaz Jr., and Rene E. Diaz Sr.; Kinship Children, Marlene A. Diaz, and Rocky S. Diaz. Grandchildren, Leslie Manzano and husband Pete, Yvonne Thomas and husband Charles, Melissa Carrillo and husband Joe, Brianna Becerra and husband Carlos, Richard Vargas and Wife Jennifer, Kristina Garcia, Michael Garcia, Desiree Diaz, Rene Diaz Jr., Matthew Diaz, and Daisy Diaz; and 22 Great-Grandchildren.

Married for 65 years, Trudy and Paul, the love of her life, raised 6 beautiful children together. Possessing a true servant’s heart, Trudy faithfully cared for family and friends through delicious cooking/baking from scratch, sewing, and crafting. A woman of Faith and the heart of the Diaz family, Trudy shaped their Spirituality by her tireless Christian example, and also through various prayer groups and activities.

Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, Trudy was a very good listener. She engaged in conversation as if every word heard was carefully received in her spirit. She loved people. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and praise, will never be forgotten.

With a zest for life, Trudy loved to praise and worship, tend to her plants, read her bible, pray, and watch the Astros, especially with her grandchildren, chat with friends and family, and have bible studies in her home with her Hermanas…just to name a few.

Trudy served in many roles while she attended church services in her lifetime. The family served together for over 30 years at El Olivar Church in Houston, Tx. There she was voted in as the church treasurer and as a Deaconess, ministries in which she took very seriously. It was surprise to find Trudy late at night with her children at McDonalds for coffee next to El Olivar church when services ended.

Trudy was devout in studying her bible and writing lesson plans for bible studies. She developed her skills further when she became a student at a Bible College earning a degree in Biblical Studies. Her sword was the Word of God and she knew how to use it.

Trudy served alongside Pastor Lawrence Lewis at Park Memorial Church in Houston, Tx, throughout her latter years. For more than 13 years, she ministered to Pastor Lewis as his spiritual mother and advisor. Trudy held ministry positions as an altar prayer warrior, a woman’s bible study leader, a kitchen helper, a women’s mentor, and was always willing to offer what she had to many charitable endeavors while she attended Park Memorial Church. She regarded one of her sacred duties as praying each month over the sacraments for Communion. She was flawless in all of her ministry roles.

Trudy will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In celebration of her life, knowing Trudy is to know that she may be absent from the body but is present with the Lord.

A visitation for Vertudes will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10:30 AM. A committal service will occur Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.