Sylvia Gonzalez

Sylvia Deras Gonzalez went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Midland, Texas. 

She was born on September 28, 1960, in Midland, Texas to parents, Tomas and Lupe Gonzalez. As the oldest of 3 siblings, she learned early about loving others well with a servant heart and exemplified every Fruit of the Spirit. These qualities endeared others to her throughout her lifetime. Sylvia accepted Christ early in her lifetime and devoted her life to following Jesus, ministering to others and sharing the Gospel. 

After graduating from San Jon High School in 1979 she enrolled in Eastern New Mexico University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. During those college years, she continued to follow Jesus and fellowship with other believers through her involvement in the Baptist Student Union and her membership at Calvary Baptist Church in Portales, New Mexico. 

Her calling became clear when she began teaching. Her tenderness, patience and love for little ones was evident in her decades of teaching bilingual Kindergarten students at Blanton Elementary and Blackshear Magnet School, both in Odessa, Texas. She would often share stories about “her kids”, whom she made life-changing impacts on. We know her beautiful spirit lives on in those children who were blessed to have Mrs. Gonzalez as their first teacher. 

During her teaching tenure she taught more than 750 students from August 1989 and May of 2018 in the Ector County Independent School District. Her tireless and selfless work shaping young minds and lives was honored in 2016 when she was named ECISD Teacher of the Year. True to her humble nature she never boasted of this accolade but, those who worked with her will concur she was most deserving of this high honor. 

When she wasn’t in the classroom you would find her singing or baking or both. Singing in the “Living Christmas Tree” at First Baptist Odessa was the highlight of her year. But she would tell you the most impactful year was when Christian artist Sandi Patti performed with them. 

After her retirement in 2019 she would spend her days with her parents who lived next door. She also enjoyed spending time with friends, baking, entertaining and watching classic TV shows.

Because of Sylvia’s belief and acceptance of the saving grace of Jesus, we know that she is now in the presence of The Father and her glorified body has been made whole as she inherits the Kingdom of God. We find peace in this truth and the knowledge that she is rejoicing in Heaven with her parents.

She is survived by her siblings, Angie Clawson and husband Greg McCollumn of Franklin, TN., Antonio Gonzalez of Odessa, TX, Leticia Reinke and husband Brian of Odessa, TX; nephews & nieces, Chris Clawson, Brad Clawson and wife Caty, Sydney Fisher and husband Trent, Andres Gonzalez and wife Akui, Adrian Gonzalez, Abraham Gonzalez, Tomas Emiliano Gonzalez, Fernanda Reynoso, Bianca Rendon, Brooke Sanford and husband Trevor, Blayr Reinke, Lincoln Reinke; great nieces & nephews, Easton, Jack, Zella, Huck, Sebastian & Meyers; and aunts, uncles and cousins near and far all rejoice with sweet memories

Memorial Donations can be sent in honor of Sylvia:

I Am Second

Attn: Rick Klein/SG Memoriam

2001 W Plano Parkway

Plano, TX 75075

Worship Celebration of Life!

Sunset Memorial Gardens Chapel in Odessa

1:00 - Saturday, August 3, 2024

A dessert reception will follow at The Elegante Hotel