Irma Correa Bermea

Irma Corina Correa Bermea was born April 20, 1943, in Raymondville, TX. She was the second child of Ramiro and Feliz Correa. She had for siblings Dora Graham, Ramiro Jr, Ruben, Danny and Ronny Correa.

She was salutatorian in her high school and was one of the first Latinas to earn a scholarship to the University of Texas. She started dating Jose Bermea, also from Raymondville, while at UT. They fell in love, got married, and had one child, Joseph Michael Bermea.

They separated after five years and eventually divorced. She became a single mom and was determined to prove that she could raise a child a be successful professionally.

Mom started working for the Texas Department of Welfare as a clerk in the early 1970's. She worked long hard hours while raising me. Her efforts were noticed, and she quickly began moving up the ladder in her department.

She eventually became a supervisor, gaining more and more responsibilities with each assignment.

In the early 1980's, she was made head of a new division called Daycare Licensing. She created new guidelines and regulations for all daycares in Travis County. The more success she had, the bigger the areas she was given.

In 1991, Governor Ann Richards was looking for up and coming professional women that she could appoint to key positions in state agencies. There was a group of Latina women who knew about what she had been doing professionally, and they recommended her for the position. She became one of the first Latina women to be appointed Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Health and Human Services.

While she was working and raising her son, Irma put herself through school. She eventually earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work for St. Edward's University. Afterward, the State of Texas sent her to Harvard University where she earned a Master's Certificate in Social Work.

She stayed with the department for thirty-five years before retiring to take care of her ailing parents.

She took care of everyone she possibly could. She had the biggest, kindest heart.

She leaves behind her son Joseph, daughter-in-law Marla, grandsons Joseph II, and Jacen, sister Dora, and brothers Ruben and Danny.

Rest in Peace Mom. I will love and miss you forever.

A visitation will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in ~ The Walden Room ~, located at 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, Texas, 78660, on December 17, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Rosary Prayer Service will follow at the same location on December 17, 2025, starting at 7:00 pm.

A graveside service will take place at El Toro Cemetery in Raymondville, Texas, 78580, on December 18, 2025, at 3:00 pm.

Pallbearers will include Joseph Bermea II, Jacen Bermea, Ruben Correa, and John Silva.