Mary Teresa "Terry" Garcia

Mary Teresa "Terry" Garcia entered into eternal rest on December 05, 2023 at the age of 81. Terry was born in San Antonio, TX on October 03, 1942 to Joe and Esther Gomez. Terry is a graduate of Lanier High School in the class of 1961. She worked at La Feria Department store downtown for many years. She was well known for making gift sets for all occasions. After she left La Feria she went to work at the San Antonio Children's Shelter. From there she worked at Trinity University with San Antonio ISD's Alternative Center. During her career with SAISD, April 06, 1981 to December 19, 2003, she worked at Japhet Elementary School and Highland Park Elementary School where she was a Librarian Assistant.  While working at both campuses she started many reading programs for the students. Her main goal was to make sure that every student that walked into the library could read. For those that could not, she would have one on one lessons with them. She had to take an early retirement to spend quality time with her late husband.

Terry met her best friend, soul mate and future husband, Larry Garcia at a dance at El Mercado. Their love for dancing is what brought them together. They were married on December 20, 1981. Through the years they entered in many dance competitions. They went on to win many of those competitions. During her retirement Terry did volunteer work with the Salvation Army and Vitas Hospice. When she was doing her volunteer work with Vitas she created a new version to Amazing Grace. Vitas went on to publish her version in their magazine. She also volunteered at a senior citizen center where she created a senior dance group called the Golden Stars Line Dance Team, AKA – WellMed Line Dance Team. The Team would go and dance at multiple senior centers throughout the city. In her spare time, Terry liked to make beaded and jeweled jewelry. Even during the Spurs playoffs, she made jersey pins with the Spurs' numbers on them. She loved her San Antonio Spurs! Terry was an Honorary member/volunteer for the Servants of the Cross for 3 years. She would donate her jewelry and time for the many drives that they had for the children of the community.

We would like to acknowledge the great staff of the Methodist Hospital Texsan. Terry loved the staff there. They took amazing care of her. They made her final days very comfortable for her.

Terry Garcia is proceeded in death by her beloved husband Larry Garcia, her parents Joe and Esther Gomez, her brothers Fernando "Nando" Gomez, Carlos Gomez, and Daniel "Danny" Gomez, and her Aunt Minerva "Minnie" Gutierrez. She is survived by her sons Oscar (Carol) Vargas and Edward Ray (Polly) Vargas Sr., grandsons Edward Ray (Rebecca) Vargas Jr., Michael James Vargas, and Thomas Allen (Katrina) Vargas, great grandson Xavier Ray Vargas and great granddaughter Adisyn Marie Vargas. Brothers Joe (Esther) Gomez Jr. and Gilbert (Sylvia) Gomez. Sisters Janie (Arthur) Viera and Estella Hernandez, sister-in-law Vicky Garcia, brother in laws Jesse (La Donne) Garcia, Joe (Gloria) Garcia, Onofre Garcia and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.