Alice Acosta Villarreal

Alice Villarreal was born October 24, 1940, to Espiridion and Josephina (Gebes) Acosta in Houston, Texas. She grew up on Lucille Street in Houston, Texas in a small neighborhood called Crisol, where she met the love of her life, Ernest Villarreal who happened to be the boy next door. Some of her favorite memories were of the two of them talking at the fence that divided their houses until her father called her inside.

Ernest and Alice married on August 2, 1959, and celebrated 64 wonderful years together. The greatest blessings were their 4 children: Cynthia born in June 1960, Rachel in January 1963, Ernest Jr. in October 1965, and their youngest, Michelle, in January 1972. Alice took immense pride of the life they built and the home they shared in Channelview. She was the happiest when her house was full, music was playing and she was cooking for her children & grandchildren. She loved music, a good family poker game, and a dance party to her favorite Tejano music. There was no other place she would rather be than surrounded by her family.

Alice had an unmatched zest for life and poured so much love into her family and friends. She was a devoted Houston sports fan, never missing an Astros or Texans game and always staying up for extra innings or overtime. She and Ernest enjoyed traveling to casinos with their best friends and she cherished their family summer camping trips to Camp Riverview and Garner State Park. These camping trips were a tradition for many summers creating memories she held close to her heart.

Her love for her family was immeasurable. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, a source of strength and resilience, and a constant foundation of support. Her kids and grandkids were truly her heart and soul. Her deep faith in the Lord was evident in the way she lived–always extending love, kindness, and grace to those around her.

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, Alice peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior. Though she is no longer with us, her kindness, love and joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Alice was survived by her children, Cynthia Ann Craig and her husband Steve Craig, Rachel Aldaco and her husband Jessie Aldaco, Ernest Villarreal Jr. and his wife Norma Villarreal, Michelle Campbell and her husband David Campbell. She is also survived by her beloved sisters Esther Salazar and Isabel Zavala, as well as her dear best friend and caretaker, Janie Lucio, who remained by her side with unwavering love and support.

Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Jason Villarreal, Alicia Hernandez, Kristina Butler, A. J Saiz, Kent Campbell, Madison Pioterek, great-grandchildren, Lyric Vasquez, Ally Saiz, Cobie Saiz, Julian Ramirez, Tina Ramirez, Matthew Hernandez, Jacob Villarreal, Jace Zepeda, Arlo Butler, Mila Butler, Isabella Saiz, and great-great-grandchildren, Joe Cruz III, Giovani Cruz, and Naveah Sanchez.

Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernest Villarreal, and has been laid to rest alongside her cherished grandson, Jon Michael Zepeda. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Espiridion and Josephina Acosta, as well as her sisters Ramona Vitello, Angelina Acosta, Delores Rodriguez, Mary Lowe, Olivia Acosta, Theresa Damian, Rosa Garcia, Helen Baron and brothers Jesse Acosta, Albert Acosta, Joe Acosta, and Roy Acosta.

Alice’s love, laughter, and legacy, will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.