Sulema (Martinez) Garcia

Sulema (Martinez) Garcia, who is now dancing with the angels, left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew her. At 90 years young, she embarked on her heavenly journey on May 4, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Born on March 5, 1935, Sulema was born to Gabino Martinez and Guadalupe (Perez) Martinez.

On December 28, 1982, she married Emilio Garcia, and together they created a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure. Sulema's heart swelled with joy whenever she spent time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her favorite pastimes included watching westerns, nurturing her plants, and singing with a heart full of cheer.

Though she was preceded in death by her parents, Gabino Martinez and Guadalupe Martinez, son Miguel Chavera, husband Emilio Garcia, brothers Gilberto Martinez and Raul Reyna, and sisters Terri Perez and Jacinta Moreno, her spirit remains.

Cherishing the treasured memories of Sulema are five sons, Ruben (Cathy) Chavera, Pedro (Susie) Chavera, Gabino (Rosa) Chabera, Johnny (Elva) Chavera and Adolfo (Janet) Chavera; two daughters, Peggy Sue (Edward) Barrera and Amelia (Chabera) Olivarez; as well as 25 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. She was a loving sister to Jose Angel Martinez, Estella Tanguma, Celia Rodriguez, Gavina Herrera and Mary Vitolo.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Three Rivers followed by a prayer service at 7 o’clock led by Pastor Benjamin Vannoy.

The funeral service will be conducted there at 10 a.m. Friday, May 16, with Pastor Jesse Berthold officiating.

Sulema will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Emilio, in the Three Rivers Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Josh Chabera, Pedrito Chabera, Javier Cortinas, Henry Cortinas, Matthew Gutierrez, Aliaz Chavera, Nicolas Chavera and Patricio Chavera.