Obituary of Maria Yolanda Herrera

Our beloved Maria Yolanda Herrera, age 80, left this earth peacefully as she was called home to our heavenly Father on August 14, 2021. Born in Austin, Texas on June 29, 1941 she now rests with those that preceded her in death, her loving husband, Arthur O. Herrera, Sr., her parents, Hernando C. González and Hortencia Espinoza González, her children, John Jude Herrera, Don Joseph Herrera, Norma Yvonne Moore and her great-grandson, Timothy Ryan Herrera, Jr.

God, faith and family were her most treasured possessions. As a devout Christian she took comfort in her faith throughout her life. She had the sweetest, most gentle spirit and was a true testament of God’s love on earth. She was a Godly woman with a heart of gold; a faithful servant who earned her share of Christ's inheritance in the Kingdom. Yolanda had many special gifts. She sang beautifully in the church choir and devoted countless hours of service to Emmanuel United Methodist Church, serving as a member of United Christian Adults, Aqua Fest Fundraising, Trustees & Historian. She also served as President of the Administrative Board for Govalle United Methodist Church.

Yolanda married the love of her life Arthur O. Herrera, Sr. in 1959. They were married for 35 years until his passing in July 1995. Yolanda was the matriarch of a large, beautiful family. She loved her children deeply and found great happiness in being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were all so important to her. Her eyes would shine brighter at the mention of one of their names. She praised their accomplishments, she hurt with their sorrows and felt true joy spending time with them. She never missed an opportunity to tell them how proud she was of them and how much she loved them.

Yolanda and Arthur raised an amazing family, and she leaves behind a beautiful legacy. She is survived by her adoring children, Arthur Herrera, Jr. (Debbie), Jason Herrera (Janet), Yvette Memijes (Mario), and son-in-law David Moore; 12 treasured grandchildren, Rick Moore (Crystal), Dustin Moore, Candice Villarreal (Michael), Arthur Herrera, III (Krystal), Timothy Herrera (Lucinda), Ariel Walker (Grace), Jordan Nitsche, Jackson Herrera, Jessica Herrera, Mark Memijes, Yvonne Memijes, Mateo Memijes; 15 precious great-grandchildren, Victoria Moore, Makayla Gonzalez-Moore, Madison Villarreal, Michael Villarreal, Mary-Jane Villarreal, Haily Zacarias, Ashley Ramirez, Cleo Ramirez, Isaiah Ramirez, Katilynn Herrera, Arthur Herrera IV, Aliyah Herrera, Amariana Herrera, Timmy Herrera and Akayliah Walker, her sister, Gloria Ramirez and her brothers, Herman Gonzalez (Karen), Carlos Gonzalez (Yvonne) and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.

Yolanda had a strong work ethic. She worked at Handy Andy Grocery for 17 years and went on to assist her husband in the family business, Herrera’s Appliance. She was also the church secretary at Emmanuel United Methodist Church. She retired from The State of Texas after 13 years of service.

Words cannot describe the sorrow and loss that we’re feeling. We thank God for blessing us with such a wonderful mother. She was sweet, loving and kind and had the most precious, gentle demeanor. She is such a huge part of our family, the glue that keeps us all together. There was a lot of love in our mom’s life and we’re so grateful for a lifetime of beautiful memories. Even though she is gone, her legacy will live on in all of us. As we say farewell to the rock of our family, we look forward to the day that we’ll see her again, strong, well and with that same beautiful smile.

Our family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to Yolanda’s caregivers, Shirley Shaw, Wendi Carter and Nurse Lori Aldridge.

Pallbearers will be Rick Moore, Dustin Moore, Arthur Herrera, III, Timothy Herrera, Jackson Herrera, Rueben Ray Herrera, Jesse Herrera and Steven Ramirez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mark Juliano, Joseph Flores, Mark Memijes and Mateo Memijes.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-9:00 pm with a service beginning at 6:00 pm on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Mission Funeral Home - Serenity Chapel, 6204 S. First St., Austin, TX 78745

Burial Service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, August 23, 2021 also at Mission Funeral Home - Serenity Chapel. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, TX 78704

Fellowship will follow at Emmanuel United Methodist Church - Jackson Hall, 200 E. Brushy St. Austin, TX 78702

Please help us celebrate the life of Yolanda in loving and safe way. We politely request the continued use of face coverings in an effort to help protect our community. The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding.

Services will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to Facebook Live Mission - South Side

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

Each person entering the funeral home, church, and cemetery are encouraged to wear a mask

and to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.