Mary Elena Gonzales

Funeral services will be held privately Monday, August 31, 2020, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Mgr. Gerald Leatham officiating. Burial will be held at Brownfield Cemetery on Monday, August 31, 2020, at 11:00 am under the direction of Brownfield Funeral Home.

Rosary will be at 6:00 pm Sunday, August 30, 2020, at Brownfield Funeral Home. 

Viewing will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday, August 29, 2020, and from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Sunday, August 30, 2020.

Maria Elena Gonzales went to be with the Lord on August 27, 2020, in her home surrounded by her loved ones. Maria Elena was born to Jesus and Francisca Cantu in Meadow, Texas on December 17, 1947. She was known by Mary to some and Elena to most. Mary met Raymond Gonzales and married on May 17, 1974, and they resided in Brownfield all of their lives along with their 5 children. No words can describe Mary best, but the word “selfless” comes to mind.  She was one of the most giving persons that anyone had the privilege of meeting. If she heard of a person in need she would do everything possible to help them.

One of her greatest passions was cooking. Putting her selflessness and her cooking skills together, she cooked up some amazing things for this community. She held many fundraisers to help others from little league teams buy uniforms to those needing help with medical expenses. She catered many weddings, quinceaneras, and a lot of meals for those who had lost their loved ones.  Mary loved to help her church at St. Anthony’s where she made sure that she had a booth for the Jamaica every year. She helped with the Bereavement committee and many other church functions.

Mary’s other great passion was The Cub Drive In. She started working at the age of 13 and worked for many years as an employee and then came back after a short break as the “Boss”. Mary loved her kids and grandkids and great-grandkids unconditionally. She showed her family the true meaning of a strong hard-working woman.  She fought through many storms with strength that only comes from God, until last week when she said she was tired and was ready when the Good Lord was ready for her. Saying that she will be greatly missed is an understatement. 

Mary is survived by her five children Pete Garza and Angie of Brownfield. Cynthia Tealer of Brownfield, Teresa and husband Valde Flores of Lubbock, Mark Gonzales and wife Gloria of Lubbock and Jona and husband Clay Rolan of Canyon. 11 grandkids Eric Garza, Tara Garza, Rocky Garza, Linda Chavez, Latisha Tealer, Kasandra Tealer, Leslie Flores, Abrian and Zarin Gonzales, Madi and Brody Rolan. 21 great-grandkids and 4 great-grandchildren. 4 sisters Anita Romero, Vera Jimenez, Delia Barnhart, Dora Cantu, and brother Robert Cantu. 

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Gonzales and her parents Jesus and Francisca Cantu, two brothers Jose Tijerina and Lupe Tijerina, and one great-great-grandson.