Cecilia Chavez

Our dear Cecilia G. Chavez passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 29th, at the age of 83. She was born in D’Hanis, Texas, to Isabel and Francisca Gonzales on November 22, 1940. She grew up in various towns from Hondo to Lockney, Texas, until she married Rev. Dr. David Chavez Sr. in 1961. Together, they worked to bring the light of God into the world, serving Him in family and ministry for 59 years.

Cecilia earned her GED in 1977 and later went to college to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). She worked as an LVN for over 18 years. Despite being humble and reserved, she was passionate about helping others in ministry and the hospitals or clinics where she worked. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a good friend to many, always with a listening ear and ready to give of herself to others. Cecilia loved life, and her devotion to her children and grandchildren was unmeasurable.  

As a child, she attended the Catholic church and learned the importance of walking with God. Soon, she made it her daily devotion. Within a few years of marrying her husband, they entered the ministry. They served in the United Methodist Church as pastors for 45 years. Her love for God also spilled into her passion for reading, especially her daily devotionals and the Bible. She also read books that would bring her closer to God, such as testimonies of the lives of others in their faith and stories of Jesus' healing power.  She was never ashamed of sharing the love of Jesus with others, and she constantly desired to worship in church. 

Cecilia began writing in her journal in 1965, when her husband started his ministry. She wrote in it until March 28th, the day before she passed away. Each of her journal entries ended with the words, "Thank you, Jesus, for one more beautiful day.”  On her last day, she ate a nice lunch and was happy to celebrate Good Friday at her church, where she was planning to attend that evening; she was ready to celebrate Easter and be with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She breathed her last breath with full knowledge that she would be in God’s arms.

Cecilia Chavez is preceded in death by her parents, Isabel and Francisca Gonzalez; her younger brother, Isabel Gonzales Jr.; her youngest sister, Hope Landeros; her husband, Rev. Dr. David Chavez Sr.; and her oldest son, David Chavez Jr.

She is survived by her son Samuel, daughter-in-law Rochelle Chavez, daughter Anna Francisca, and son-in-law Ricardo Torres. Her daughter-in-law Martha Lydya Chavez (+David Chavez Jr.). Her granddaughters are Kayla San Angelo and partner Brandon Mason, Abigail Nicole Chavez and partner Justin O’Neill, Isabella Cecilia Chavez, and Audrey Elizabeth Chavez. Her grandsons are David Andrew Chavez and Samuel Rosalio Chavez. Her great-grandchildren are Antonio De Los Santos III and Kya Ximena O’Neill. Siblings: Pedro and Santos “Nena” Gonzales, Angelita Gonzales Reyes, Rosalinda Garcia, and many more family and friends.