Obituary of Gloria C. Valdez

Gloria C. Valdez was born on August 26, 1947 in Austin, Texas. She was the eldest child of Lorenza Perez Castillo and Anastacio Castillo. Gloria resided in East Austin most of her life in the neighborhood of East Town Lake.

A descendant of sharecroppers and immigrants who fled the Mexican Revolution of 1910, she was the first in her family to graduate from high school and pursue a college education. She received her diploma from Johnston High School in 1965 and was awarded a scholarship to Texas College of Arts and Industries (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville), which she attended briefly. She resumed her studies in Abilene and completed her certification as a court stenographer in Austin in the 1980s. Gloria held numerous occupations throughout her life, and eventually retired from her employment at Texas Department of State Health Services.

A gifted and talented vocalist and musician, Gloria enjoyed playing the organ at her family church, El Buen Pastor Presbyterian. She also formed part of the Madrigal Singers at Johnston High School, and she often played the piano for her family where she filled their lives with much love and harmony. In the 1970s, Gloria toured with a musical group, which even traveled to Canada to perform.

As an active member of Austin First Church, she dedicated her life to Jesus Christ and became a witness to others. She selflessly served as a Sunday School Teacher and participated in the Homeless Ministry.

Gloria passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 27, 2018 in Austin from complications related to a three-year battle with cancer. She was called home on the seventh day after her 34^th anniversary of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. She will be remembered for her loving smile and endless kindness.

Gloria was preceded in death by her sister, Martha Castillo, and her son, Baby Boy Christopher Rivera. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Rudolfo Valdez; her children, Ché Emiliano Rivera and Tañia Michelle Rivera; her grandchildren, Alexxus Begay Rivera and Emiliano Begay Rivera; a great granddaughter, Amelia Rose Beston; her siblings, Olga Moreno and her husband, Ramon, Lorenza Reyes and her husband, John Pete, and Anastacio Castillo, Jr. and his wife, Gloria Ybarra; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family and friends.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Austin First United Pentecostal Church, 4557 E. Hwy 71, Del Valle, TX 78617.  A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 p.m., following visitation.  Interment will follow the Funeral Service at Assumption Cemetery.