Belia R. Vina

Belia R. Vina, age 79, passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas after a long battle with Scleroderma. She was born on June 23, 1942 in Sonora, Texas to Ofelia and Felipe Rodriguez. Belia graduated Abilene High School in 1961 and received her BS from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX in 1966. Belia married her husband in 1967. She also attended Incarnate Word College and UTSA. Belia began her teaching career in 1966 in Calhoun County School District, HISD 1967-1970, Memorial High School 1971-1975. From 1975-1977, Belia taught English at the Defense Language Institute at Lackland Air Force Base. She taught at Harlandale Middle School from 1977-1980; Krueger Middle School from 1980-1997. After retiring from NEISD in 1997, she continued her devotion to teaching at Charter Schools in Downtown SA until 2003, then taught at Poteet ISD for 15 years. Belia celebrated her retirement at the age of 75. Belia is a breast cancer survivor. Her strength was an inspiration to all. She was an avid Spurs fan who loved traveling; especially to the Casinos with her family. Belia was known as a passionate tamalera. She loved attending her grandchildrens school events and activities. She spoke of nothing but happiness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Felipe & Ofelia Rodriguez; husband, Johnnie D. Vina; and brothers, Jose Rodriguez and Jesse Rodriguez; sister, Esther Collins. Belia is survived by her sons, Michael (Gloria) Vina, Dennis Vina, Chris Vina, and Johnnie (Maria) Vina; daughter, Rose Mary (Sergio) Galindo; grandchildren, Christine Brown, Shawna Rose Vina, John Frank Vina, Sarah Vina, Cecilia Alvarez, Gabriella Rodriguez, Sergio Galindo, Robert Vina, and Sean Vina ; 12 great grandchildren; 4 sisters and 6 brothers; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.