Maria de Jesus Atkinson

Maria de Jesus Garcia Atkinson passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024, with her family by her side. Maria (to some Paquita, and others Jesusita) was a beautiful, vibrant, loving and young at heart mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Maria was born December 3, 1936, in Calaboz, Texas to Lydia Esparza Garcia and Jose Cavazos Garcia. As a young girl, she loved spending time with her father, days along the Rio Grande River and playing with her animals.

Maria attended Encantada Elementary, San Benito schools and graduated from Brownsville High School in 1954. Then it was off to college and on December 23, 1956, she married Gilberto Federico Atkinson. Together they raised seven children.

Maria was an elementary school teacher and taught second grade for four decades at Longoria Elementary in Brownsville, Texas. She loved her students and greeted each new year with anticipation and excitement. She particularly looked forward to the Charro Days children's parades, and took great pride in seeing her students go on to have their own families and lives.

She enjoyed music, and in the last few years had been able to attend a number of concerts including those of Willie Nelson, Neil Diamond and Tony Bennett. But she reserved her greatest love for Elvis Presley. Maria dedicated an entire room in her home to Elvis's memorabilia. She visited Graceland, and during the Thanksgiving holiday of 2023, took in an Elvis show in Las Vegas with her daughter Lorrie.

Maria was an avid sports fan and passionately followed the Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys, and Pace Vikings. But most of all, Maria never stopped being an animal lover, especially her cats.

Maria was an extraordinary woman. She loved unconditionally, cared deeply, walked humbly, and treated all with dignity and respect. She lived and died with grace and will be missed.

Maria de Jesus Garcia Atkinson is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Robert Joseph Atkinson and granddaughter, Jennifer. She is survived by her children Lydia Atkinson, Linda Bair (Scott), Dr. Lizzie Atkinson Garza (Antonio), Lorrie Garza (Manuel), Gilbert Atkinson (Marla), Dr. George Jay Atkinson (Gina), sister, Eloisa Tamez, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her cat Wally.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the medical staff who provided care, and to the devoted family and friends who were there for Maria throughout her life and blessed her with their love these past few weeks. 

At Maria's request she will be cremated, and all services will be private. A family tribute and celebration of her life will be held graveside. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Rio Grande Valley Humane Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization.