Benita S. Vance was called into the Lord's arms on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the blessed age of 85. Benita was born in Brownsville, Texas on September 27, 1938, to Luis and Aurora Serrata. After losing her parents unexpectedly at a young age, Benita was raised by her Aunt Inez Vega Williams like she was one of her own. Following in her aunt's footsteps, Benita cared for dozens of foreign exchange students at St. Anthony Highschool for many years. She would cook and house the students like they were her own children. She bought them clothing, made sure they had enough to eat and a pillow to lay their heads at night. Many of the students that Benita cared for went on to college and grew up to be successful in many fields like Science and Education. Benita also worked for the Catholic Archdiocese as a Secretary to Fr. James, Fr. William, and as a secretary at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Above all, Benita loved her family and enjoyed spending her free time making memories with her grandchildren. Benita is reunited in Heaven with her parents, spouse Enrique Mendez, Son Esequiel Luis Mendez, and brother Rudy Serrata. Benita's legacy will live on through her son Henry Mendez (Vicki Mendez), daughter Beatrice Mendez, son Eddie Mendez; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; brother James T. Williams and sister-in-law Maria Dolores Williams; along with numerous extended family and friends.

The family will be having a Memorial Mass at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 14831 Main St. Lytle, Texas 78052. A reception will follow at the Church.