Juanita Gonzales Esparza was simply and affectionately known as "Janie" throughout San Antonio and the music industry. Janie was carried into the loving arms of her Lord on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at the age of 94, the eve of her 95 ^th birthday. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.

Janie raised 14 children through their high school education, and once that task was complete, she set out to pursue her dream of opening her now famous "Janie's Record Shop."

Janie loved music, and knew it well.  She had a photographic memory. It was always said that once she heard a tune, it would not go away. She would always remember it. Janie is considered a pioneer in Tejano music, and has been inducted into many halls of fame, and in 2003 was the only record shop to be inducted into the National Hispanic Hall of Fame. In addition, she received the 2011 Tejano Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2012 Narciso Martinez Conjunto Hall of Fame, and 2015 South Texas Association Conjunto Hall of Fame Award, to name a few.

Juanita Gonzales Esparza is preceded in death by her late husband, Juan Esparza; her son, Juan Esparza, Jr.; her daughter, Elsa Esparza; her grandchildren, Miguel Ramirez, Miguel C. Caballero, Laura Ann Perez and Mary Jane Salas; and her great-granddaughter, Samantha Caballero

Juanita Gonzales Esparza is survived by her children, Rosemary Montelongo, Rachel Camacho (Gilbert), Norali Salas (Carlos), Hector Esparza, Estella Hastings, Gilbert Esparza (Jonell), Bertha Sams, Barbara Bemrich (John), Rebecca DeLeon (Rafael), Robert Esparza, Alice Esparza and Grace Davila (Raul); 36 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

Janie really made an impression on everyone she met.

Visitation will be held at Castillo Mission Funeral Home on Monday, September 20, 2021, from 4 pm until 8 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Procession will depart the Funeral Home at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul Catholic Church, 350 Sutton Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78228. Interment to follow at San Fernando Cemetery II.

Under the direction of Castillo Mission Funeral Home. Art Gandar, B.A., M.A., M.Div., Funeral Director