Gloria Ann Perez

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Gloria Ann Perez, a cherished wife, mom, grandma "Nana", sister, friend, educator, and pillar of our community. Gloria Ann entered eternal rest on December 2, 2024, at the age of 77. Known for her warm smile, kind and loving heart, and infectious enthusiasm, she leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and dedication that will forever resonate in the lives she touched.

Gloria Ann was born on August 27, 1947, in Edinburg, Texas. She would always say, "I love my little town and wouldn't want to live anywhere else." She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Edinburg High in 1965, where she was a member of the Seargeanettes dance team. She then attended and graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American.

Gloria began her teaching career with the Donna School District and went on to dedicate over 50 years to the Edinburg School District, beginning at Edinburg High School. While teaching at Edinburg High, she loved to say, "I BLEED RED AND BLUE!" Gloria then taught at Johnny Economedes High School for 24 years, which she referred to as her second home. Throughout her teaching career, she was often heard saying, "I LOVE MY JOB!" Gloria was an English teacher, led the reading computer labs, and prepared students for the TAAS, TAKS, and STAAR state exams. She sponsored numerous organizations and activities throughout her teaching career, including the National Honor Society and Future Teachers of America. Gloria always showed school spirit and was known as the head cheerleader of both Edinburg High School and Johnny Economedes High School. She led the pep rallies and blared Tejano music through the hallways on football Fridays. For over half a century, our beautiful mom devoted her life to teaching. She inspired generations of students with her passion for learning and her unwavering belief in their potential. Whether in the classroom or in the community, she was a source of encouragement, compassion, and loving support. Gloria's influence extended far beyond academics. She taught life lessons, nurtured dreams, and became a lifelong friend to so many. As a result, Gloria was named an Edinburg Hometown Hero by the Edinburg City Council in 2022. She was also honored by the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court, the Edinburg School District, and was featured on KRGV Channel 5 News for her dedication, devotion, and love of education.

Gloria Ann Garza met her husband, Baltazar "Balta" Perez, in 1970. She described their love story as "love at first sight." They were married on December 20, 1971. As educators, they impacted the lives of thousands of students.

Outside the classroom, Gloria Ann was deeply devoted to her faith, family, friends, and community. She loved music, dancing, reading, playing bingo, and traveling to Las Vegas with our father, Balta. She loved shopping, fashion, exuberant jewelry, and anything with glitter, sparkle, and shine. Her grandkids will always cherish and remember the fun sleepovers "Nana" loved to host for them. Her commitment to service and her ability to bring people together made her a true cornerstone of her family and our community. The life of the party has entered Heaven, and there will be a non-stop pep rally now that Gloria is there.

She is preceded in death by her father, Oscar L. Garza; father-in-law, Federico Perez; mother-in-law, Eliza Casas Perez; brother, Oscar L. Garza, Jr.; and brother-in-law, Arnoldo "Beve" Vera.

Gloria Ann is survived by her husband, Baltazar "Balta" Perez; four children, Melissa Ann Perez, Marla Anelle Perez, Melynda (Ray) Rodriguez, and Marcos Oscar Perez; a bonus daughter, Jennifer Mayo Tamez; seven grandchildren, Briana Leigh Carbajal, Zoe Mei Guerrero, Noah James Perez, Kaylee Anelle Brasher, Rocco Ray Rodriguez, Blake Christian Brasher, and Jace Alexander Rodriguez; her mother, Yolanda Garza; three siblings, Yoli Vera, Clarissa Garza, and Dr. Jim Garza; sister-in-law, Imelda Bazan Garza; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and Godchildren.

Our family would like to thank all the dedicated staff who provided our mom with the best care while at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. A special thanks to Dr. Manish Singh and Marissa Castaneda for going above and beyond to ensure our mom received the best possible care. We would also like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support through text messages, phone calls, and beautifully shared memories of our amazing mother.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. Celebration of Gloria Ann's incredible life Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Memorial service will take place at 11 a.m., Monday, December 9, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment Ceremony will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 1701 E. Richardson Road in Edinburg.

In honor of Gloria Ann, we invite you to wear Red and Blue (Edinburg Bobcats), Orange and Blue (Economedes Jaguars), or leopard print for both services.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.