Our dearest mother, Juanita Cruz Navarro, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2021 with family by her side. She was 90 years old.
Service Information:
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 9, at Lake Shore Funeral Home with Reverend Emmanuel Roldan of Primera Iglesia Bautista of Waco and Reverend Pete Arvizu, Jr. of Primera Iglesia Bautista of Cameron officiating. Burial will follow in Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 8, with a Wake service beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the funeral home.
Mom was born in Crawford, TX on March 30, 1931 to Julian and Cruz Cruz. At an early age, she moved to Waco where she lived the rest of her life. In her early twenties, she married Frank Garcia, Sr. After his death in 1955, she married Vincent Navarro at the age of 27. They celebrated 58 years of marriage until his passing in 2016.
Mom raised and nurtured two daughters and eight sons, plus her grandson, Andrew. Her devoted love and care were genuine and abundant. She displayed it with warmth, comfort, affection and topped it off with a kiss and the words, “I love you”. She leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.
When the kids were older, Mom worked at Wolfe Wholesale Nursery and for several years at Baylor University Penland Hall and Memorial Hall Cafeterias, where she was known for her artistic holiday displays of candy and fresh fruit.
Mom, you were one-of-kind and will be remembered forever!
She was preceded in death by her father and mother; baby sister, Gloria Cruz; brother, Joe Cruz; husbands, Frank Garcia, Sr. and Vincent Navarro; sons, Lupe Navarro, Frank Garcia, Jr. and Joe Garcia.
Mom leaves behind her brothers and sisters, Paul Cruz (Fiona) of Centerville, Francis Gaitan (Ben, deceased) of Odessa, Mary Retiz (Arthur) of Duncanville, Felix Cruz of Houston and Julia Castillo (Carlos) of Odessa.
She leaves her extended family, half-sisters and brothers, Julia Rodriguez, Janie Ortiz, Carmen Molina, Lola Cruz, Irene Mundo, Roy Cruz; Teresa Pulido and Manuel Sanchez, both deceased.
Mom is survived by daughters, Betty Dawson (Gene) of Dallas, and Anna Marie Segura (Alex) of Waco; sons, John Garcia of Waco, Hon. Albert Navarro of Bryan, Daniel and Martin (Dan) of Dallas and Luis Navarro of Irving; grandchildren, Laurie Wesson (Carlton) of Rockwall, Andrew Navarro of Aledo, Stephen Segura of Waco, Jose Garcia, Jr. (Susie) of Warren, OH, Priscilla Garcia (son, Mason De Lima) of Waco, John Garcia, Jr. of Roswell, NM, and Mario and Elizabeth Garcia of Irving; and several great-grandchildren.
She also leaves her beloved nieces, nephews and cousins (among them cousin Dominga Gaytan whom she adored).
A heartful thank you to friends and the loving Christian brothers and sisters at Primera Iglesia Bautista of Waco and Primera Iglesia Bautista of Cameron for thoughts and prayers.
Pallbearers are Andrew Navarro, Brian Dawson, Stephen Segura, Jose Garcia, Jr. Michael Flower and Christopher Snodgrass.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Prayers and blessings to the many family members for the loss of such a special person to so many. Cherish the wonderful memories she shared with you.
Prayers for the family I worked with Juanita for many years she was the sweetest person i have known Prayers for all of you she will be missed forever
Sending our love and heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Navarro family. -Marci & Joel Ramirez
Prayers to all of the family, and especially my sweetest friend, Betty. I meet your Mom on several different occasions, and she was precious! I know she will be missed, but never forgotten! God Bless you all.
Love Bren
Sending prayers, hugs and condolences to your family. May they always know that you’re their beautiful Guardian Angel. God Speed🙏🏾🙏🏾
I am honored and blessed to have known Mrs. Navarro. Her kind and gentle spirit will be remembered fondly.
My childhood is filled with wonderful memories of Mr. and Mrs. Navarro and their sweet and giving nature to me, my family and many others of our church. May you each feel God’s peace and presence during this time.
With heartfelt condolences,
Veronica Torres Burke