Erlene Mary Gonzales' Obituary
Erlene Mary Gonzales, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on November 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 84.
Born on September 29, 1941, in Houston, Texas, Erlene was the cherished daughter of Sotero Roy and Mary Cruz Gutierrez. She grew up surrounded by family and community, carrying with her the values of love, resilience, and kindness that defined her life.
Erlene worked as a cashier for many years, where her warmth and generosity touched countless lives. Beyond her work, she found joy in volunteering and serving as a co‑coordinator for many organizations in the community, always giving her time and energy to help others.
Her warmth touched everyone she met. She was known for her generous spirit, her unwavering devotion to her family, and her ability to bring joy into any room. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and she will be remembered for her compassion, strength, and the countless memories she created with those closest to her.
She is survived by her daughters Carmen Smith and Rachel Gonzales, her sons Joe Gonzales Sr. and Rudy Gonzales Sr., and her 12 grandchildren: Crystal Lopez Garza, Ashley Gonzales, Courtney Gonzales, Christina Gonzales, Tiffany M. Soliz, Joe Gonzales Jr., Anthony Jacob Gonzales, Antonio F. Gonzales, Jesse Soliz, Rudy Gonzales Jr., and Michael Gonzales, and multiple great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Antonio P. Gonzales Sr., her son Antonio Gonzales, and her loving parents Sotero Roy Gutierrez and Mary Cruz Gutierrez, and her two grandchildren Robert J.G. Smith and Raymundo R. Garza
Erlene will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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