Dates
After living a long, beautiful life, Maria R. Hernández met her Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
Maria was born on February 17, 1927, in Linares, Nuevo León, Mexico. She spent her early years in Mexico before moving to Texas in 1956.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home, with Jehu Hernández of Solid Rock Church officiating.
In a moment that led to monumental change in her life and her family's lives, Maria became a Christian at the age of 15. Her love for God and His Word led to her attending Elim Bible Institute in Mexico City. Her desire to tell others of Christ was so strong that she felt called to ministry. At the Bible Institute, she met her husband, Raymundo Hernández. After Maria and Raymundo married in 1950, they welcomed seven children: Velma, Misael, Raymundo, Jr., Osiel, Jehu, Ida, and Benjy.
Maria loved the Lord and the local church. For forty-nine years, she worked alongside her husband to plant three churches in Moncolova, Coahuila, Mexico; Manteca, California; and Orange Grove, Texas. In addition to the church plants, Maria and Raymundo pastored four churches in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico; San Benito, Texas; Robstown, Texas; and San Angelo, Texas. Although they both retired from ministry in 1999, Maria never missed a chance to share the Gospel with family members, friends, and acquaintances. Very little mattered to her more than her family knowing and serving God. Countless people have been on the receiving end of her many prayers.
Maria also enjoyed many hobbies. She was an avid reader – reading not only the Bible but books covering theology, Christian life, and history. Even after her strength began to fail, Maria would regularly be seen at the kitchen table with the Bible, a book, and a notebook nearby. She loved plants and flowers of all kinds and tried to be outside as much as possible to enjoy fresh air. Finally, she was a fantastic cook, taking pride in preparing delicious food for her family.
Welcoming Maria to heaven includes her husband, Raymundo, sons Misael and Osiel, daughter-in-law Sandra, and grandson Caleb. Left to cherish her memory and carry on her mission are children Velma Hernández, Raymundo Hernández, Jr. and wife Olivia, Jehu Hernández and wife Lillian, Ida Soto and husband, Lionel, and Benjy Hernández and wife Anabel; grandchildren Clarissa Hernández, Araceli Gutierrez and husband, Aaron, Bethany Edwards and husband Marcus, Timothy Hernández and wife, Samantha, Kelli Acker and husband Garrett, Josiah Hernández, Osiel Hernández II and wife Livi, Micah Hernández and wife Megan, Ryan Hernández, Hannah Hernández, and Seth Hernández and fiancée, Delaney; thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Maria loved Jesus immensely and never took her eyes off Him. Although her passing leaves a large void, her life presents a challenge to those left behind: seek God first in all you do, continually pray for your family, and let God handle the rest.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Norma Cerna, the 6 North nursing staff at Shannon Medical Center, and Hospice of San Angelo for their exceptional care and compassion for our mother and grandmother. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals for the Elderly or Cornerstone Christian School.