Maria "Teresita" Teresa Flores de Ortiz

With heavy hearts but also a great sense of gratitude for her life, we announce the passing of Maria Teresa Ortiz, fondly known as Teresita, on August 09, 2024 at the age of 80. Born on March 22, 1944, in Guatemala City to Lucia and Nicholas Flores, Teresita was a beacon of faith and love throughout her life.

Teresita grew up in a loving family with her siblings Maria de Jesus (Meri) , Maria Luz (Chiqis), Grace, and Sergio. On November 20, 1971, she married Jose G. Ortiz, with whom she shared 35 blessed years of marriage until his passing on January 23, 2006. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Sammy and Tracy, and were later blessed with two cherished grandchildren, Sophia and Jacob, and a beloved son-in-law, Frank Reed.

A devoted servant of the Lord, Teresita was actively involved in her church, serving as a deacon alongside her husband. For over 20 years, she was a Women’s Ministry Sectional Leader for the Assemblies of God, and a leader for the Southern Pacific District. She found great joy in organizing conventions, retreats and seminars, often where over 1,000 women would gather to seek the Lord in prayer, workshops, and the move of the Holy Spirit.

Teresita was a dedicated student of theology, graduating from the Latin American Bible Institute and earning her Ministerial Credentials for the Assemblies of God. She continued her studies, obtaining a Bachelor from the Latin American Theological Seminary. Alongside her husband, she served as a marriage counselor at Iglesia Esmirna, a church in Los Angeles California, helping countless couples strengthen their bonds through faith.

Never missing an opportunity to share the love of Jesus, Teresita ministered to many students at the Latin American Bible Institute while her children attended. Her heart to serve was always evident, and her move to Texas on February 20th, 2013, saw her embracing a new community and continuing her ministry at North Central Church in Spring, Texas. Through the Healing Rain Ministry that her son Sam established. Her encouragement and prayers uplifted many families, bringing them closer to God’s grace.

Teresita’s love for her grandchildren, Sophia and Jacob, was immense. She delighted in spending time with them, especially when they called her "Abuelita." Her adventurous spirit led her to try new foods that would have held up to any foodie, and her contagious laugh brightened the lives of everyone around her. Her hobbies included studying the Bible, helping with Alfolí de Dorcas (an impactful women’s ministry), and participating in evangelistic outreach across the United States and Mexico. Teresita had a love for plants and had a green thumb, capable of nursing any ailing plant back to life as she often demonstrated to her children.

A proud speaker of Spanish, Teresita often joked that she didn’t need to learn English because Spanish is the heavenly language. Her unwavering faith, love, and dedication to her family and community will forever be remembered.

Teresita’s life to her last breath was a testament to the power of faith, love, and service. Though we mourn her passing, we rejoice in the knowledge that she is now in the presence of the Lord, reunited with her beloved Jose. Her legacy will continue to inspirer children, grandchildren and all who knew her as she and Jose lived out the bible verse Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made directly to Sammy Ortiz (cashapp $sammyboi13), to help with funeral expenses.

May Teresita rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.