Velia Juarez

Velia C Juarez, 94, of Bastrop, Texas, was welcomed into the presence of the Lord on Friday, May 5, 2023. She was born December 28, 1928, to Pete and Consuelo Cervantes. Velia was born in Austin and moved to Bastrop, Texas as a teenager. At the age of 8, her mother, Consuelo, died, and before her father remarried, she stepped in to take care of her younger siblings.

Velia married the love of her life, Victor Juarez, on January 31, 1943, in Bastrop County. They were happily married for 59 years and were blessed with seven children.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Evelyn Selvera, Margie Coy, Gloria Cervantes; her brothers Mike Cervantes and Johnny Cervantes; and her great-grandchildren Christian Harmen and Caitlyn Harmen.
Velia is survived by her children, Victor Juarez Jr. and his wife Mary Ann; Mary Yolanda Cruz and her husband, Luis; Jeanette Holt; Connie Cruz and her husband Guadalupe; Frank Juarez and his wife Rachel, Tony Juarez; Rick Juarez; and brothers Joe Cervantes, and Gilbert Cervantes.

Velia’s life is most notably marked by her passion and love for the Lord. Anyone who knew Velia would know she started each morning faithfully reading her Bible and praying to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In her younger years at Primera Iglesia Bautista, she taught Sunday school, led Vacation Bible School, was a Women’s Missionary Union Leader, and enjoyed being an active member of the Choir.

In her later years, she was a founding and active member of Foundation Christian Ministries, where she sat in the front row praising her Savior King with her hands lifted high. She was affectionately known as “Grandma” to all of her FCM family. She graciously opened her home for weekly Women’s Discipleship and was sure never to miss a Sisterhood event! She would help decorate the church every Christmas with her beautiful handmade bows, offer her expert decorating advice, and light up the sanctuary with her gorgeous smile. Grandma would even landscape the flower beds every spring for Resurrection Sunday.

Velia was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who boldly and graciously shared the truth of the Gospel with her children and grandchildren.

Velia sought every opportunity to evangelize to others, whether at church, Hobby Lobby, Chicken Express, or Home Depot. She would share with others the importance of remaining faithful and trusting God no matter the hardship, circumstance, or obstacle they might face. This is a testament to her own life. Though her life was not always easy, Velia loved and served the Lord with all her heart. Through that faithful heart of service, Velia was blessed, loved, and favored beyond measure by her Lord Jesus.

Velia will be greatly missed, but we rejoice knowing she is in Heaven praising her Savior and being rewarded for being a good and faithful servant!