Rafael Delfino Barrera Ramirez

November 7, 2024 – October 14, 2026

Rafael Delfino Barrera Ramirez was born on November 7, 2024, at Medical City Dallas in Dallas, Texas. He was born with gastroschisis, a condition in which a baby is born with the intestines outside of the abdomen through an opening near the belly button. From the very beginning, Rafael showed just how strong and special he was.

He spent the first 43 days of his life in the NICU, surrounded by love and care. Just before Christmas, Rafael was finally able to come home with his parents, and that was when a beautiful new chapter of their lives truly began.

Each day, Rafael grew more and more, and with every passing moment, he showed his parents the meaning of unconditional love. They loved taking him everywhere with them and watching the world through his eyes. Rafael had the most beautiful brown eyes, always filled with wonder, happiness, and so much love.

He found joy in so many things. He loved playing with his corgis, Tubby and Jorgy. He was fascinated by Christmas lights and would look at them in complete awe. He loved seeing fluffy animals and pets, and he had recently grown especially fond of dinosaurs. His parents loved watching him roar whenever he saw one, a sweet little habit that will forever bring a smile to their hearts.

Rafael also absolutely adored his cousin, Deacon. The bond between them was so sweet and special. Every time they saw one another, they would spend minutes hugging each other before doing anything else, a beautiful little tradition that showed just how much love they shared.

Wherever Rafael went, he had a way of bringing joy and happiness into the room. His sweet spirit, beautiful smile, and silly little faces could brighten even the most ordinary day. Being around Rafael was a reminder to slow down, notice the little things, and find happiness in the world around us.

Although Rafael’s time on this earth was far too short, his life was filled with an immeasurable amount of love. His parents will forever be grateful for every cuddle, every laugh, every silly face, every adventure, every little roar, and every beautiful memory he gave them.

They find comfort in believing that God is now taking care of their precious little boy and that Rafael came into their lives for a very special purpose. His love will forever remain in their hearts, and the memories he created will be cherished for a lifetime.

Our sweet Rafael, our little Coco, you changed our lives forever. Being your Mom and Dad was, and always will be, one of the greatest blessings of our lives. Thank you for every smile, every cuddle, every silly face, every little roar, and every moment you gave us. We would choose you over and over again, no matter how short our time together had to be.

We will carry you with us in everything we do. We will speak your name, tell your stories, and love you for the rest of our lives. We know God is holding you close until we can hold you again. This is not goodbye, our beautiful boy. We love you forever, and we will see you again.

Rafael is survived by his loving parents, Rodolfo Barrera Manzo and Diana Nakole Barrera Ramirez; grandparents, Rodolfo Barrera Cardenas, Georgina Barrera Manzo, Delfino Ramirez, and Veronica Ramirez; great-grandparents, Maria Irene Cardenas Magaña and Ignacio Ramirez Diaz; uncles, Yoltic Yael Barrera, Jorge Cruz, Jose Goite, Daniel Ramirez, and Carlos García; aunts, Valeria Barrera Manzo, Irais Barrera Manzo, Yesenia Garcia, Lisha Ramirez, and Cindy Ramirez; and cousins, Deacon Garcia, Melanie Ramirez, Carlos Lopez, Cesar Lopez, and Damian Ramirez.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Cirilo Barrera Landin, Jorge Manzo Valencia, Teresa de Jesús Mejia Maciel, Juana Ramirez Avelar, Delfino Torres Armas, and Alicia Avelar Maldonado.

A Time of Gathering and Visitation will be held at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 E 1st St, Tyler, Texas 75701, on October 22, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am.

A Funeral Service will be held at Chapel of Sts. Peter and Paul, 1435 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701, US, on October 22, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:25 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul, 1435 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, Texas 75701, on October 22, 2026, beginning at 1:30 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Cathedral In The Pines Memorial Garden, 7825 S Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75703, US, on October 22, 2026, from 2:40 pm to 2:45 pm.

Burial will be held at Cathedral Of The Pines Cemetery, 7825 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler, Texas 75703, on October 22, 2026, beginning at 2:45 pm.