Josephine "Josie" Mata

April 19, 1941 – July 21, 2026

Rejoicing in God’s promise of eternal life and thankful for the gift she was to all who knew her, we celebrate the life of Josephine "Josie" Mata, who entered into the presence of the Lord on July 21, 2026, at the age of 85, in Lubbock, Texas.

Josie was born on April 19, 1941, in Rankin, Texas, to Selso and Juanita B. Abalos. She was the last surviving sibling of a family of twelve, carrying with her a legacy of faith, resilience, love, and devotion to family.

Above all else, Josie was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Her relationship with God shaped every part of her life and inspired everyone who knew her. She taught her family the importance of love, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and the power of prayer. Every afternoon at 3:00 p.m., she faithfully prayed the Rosary, entrusting her loved ones and countless intentions to the Blessed Mother. Her quiet witness to the Catholic faith became one of the greatest gifts she left her family.

Her love for the Church was reflected through decades of faithful service. In the 1970s, she served as Home and School President at St. Mary's Central Catholic School. She spent many years teaching CCD at St. Mary's Catholic Church, lovingly preparing children to receive their First Holy Communion. She also led the parish children's liturgy on Sundays, joyfully sharing God's Word with generations of young hearts. Josie served as a Eucharistic Minister, bringing the Body of Christ to others with humility and reverence. She was a devoted member of the Daughters of Mary at St. Mary's Catholic Church and generously volunteered for many years in the Odessa Regional Medical Center Women's Auxiliary Gift Shop.

Josie was a devoted homemaker whose greatest calling was caring for her family. She was a loving wife, an extraordinary mother to her two sons and daughter, and later an adoring grandmother. She faithfully supported her husband, Fred, in every chapter of their life together, including assisting with the family business, Mata's Enterprises, Inc., which they established in 1974. She handled clerical work and answered the phone for "the shop," helping the business grow and prosper for nearly four decades. She never sought recognition, content simply knowing she was helping her family succeed.

Family was always at the center of Josie's life. She was beautiful, humble, generous, and kind, loving everyone without conditions. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she celebrated every milestone as if it were her own. She rarely missed a band concert, dance recital, school program, sporting event, or special occasion involving her children or grandchildren. Whether cheering from the audience, offering words of encouragement, or simply being present, she showed her love through unwavering support.

She found great joy in life's simple pleasures. One of Josie's favorite traditions was her Friday trip to Radio City Beauty Shop for her weekly hair and nail appointment. She never missed a Friday, and her hair was always beautifully styled. She always enjoyed visiting the ladies at the beauty shop, and those who knew her will always remember how lovely and well put together she looked. On Saturday evenings, she could often be found watching music and variety shows or enjoying the Hallmark Channel. On Sundays, she faithfully sat beside her beloved husband, Fred, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys—more for the time spent together than for the game itself. Whether celebrating family gatherings, preparing meals for those she loved, praying the Rosary, or simply sharing everyday moments with family and friends, Josie had a remarkable gift for making ordinary days feel extraordinary through her love and presence.

Josie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Fred Mata, who passed away in August 2013. Though they spent nearly thirteen years apart, we find comfort in imagining their joyful reunion in Heaven—embracing once again and perhaps even dancing together in the presence of the Lord they faithfully served throughout their lives.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Selso Abalos and Juanita B. Abalos, and by her beloved siblings: Brigido Esparza, Micaela Haro, Andres Abalos, Henry Abalos, Rito Abalos, Natalia Sandoval, Natividad Pulido, Lupe Barrandey, Juan Francisco Abalos, Teodora ("Loly") Watson, and Rita Abalos.

Josie is survived by her loving children: Selso Mata and wife, Theresa, of Allen; Melinda Terrier and husband, David, of Midland; and Pano Mata and wife, Dianne, of Wolfforth. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Devin, Anyssa, Sara, and Michael, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all who were blessed by her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and unconditional love.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at The Plaza in Lubbock and Traditions Health Hospice for the exceptional care, dignity, and kindness shown to Josie during her final days. They are also deeply grateful to everyone who has surrounded their family with prayers, love, support, and countless acts of kindness.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the Holy Rosary at 3:30 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Odessa, Texas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Odessa. Interment will immediately follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Although our hearts are broken, we rejoice in knowing that Josie has heard the words she longed to hear throughout her life of faithful service:

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Master." — Matthew 25:23