Celia G. Barrera

Celia G. Barrera

September 1, 1930 - June 5, 2024
Rio Grande City, Texas

Celia G. Barrera, 93, passed away Wednesday June 5, 2024, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen, Texas. She was born in Santa Elena, Texas to Cruz Garcia and Bernarda Garcia on September 1, 1930. She was raised in Garciasville, Texas and was the eldest of seven children.  

As the eldest, Celia was determined to obtain an education and have a career. Celia graduated from Rio Grande City High School on May 20,1949. She then attended Pan American Jr. College where she met the love of her life Alberto Barrera. Celia then attended Texas A&I University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree on August 26, 1955, and later a Master of Science Degree on August 13, 1976. Her first job as a teacher was in Sebastian, Texas and unbeknownst to her that would be the beginning of her lifelong career in the field of education.

Celia worked for 55 years as an educator, she was a dedicated teacher and mentor to many. She was presented with the RGCCISD Bilingual Teacher of the Year award for 1997-1998. She valued higher education and community involvement and would encourage others to do the same. Her dedication to volunteering and helping others was evident as she was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, Rio Grande City Lions Club and the Catholic Daughters of America. Her contributions to the community are a source of pride for all, and her legacy will continue to inspire and impact generations to come.  

In 2018 the RGCCISD renamed North Grammer Elementary School to Alberto and Celia Barrera Elementary School. She was very proud of the dedication that was bestowed on her and her late husband.    

She married Alberto Barrera on August 18, 1956, and raised four children Armandina, Alberto Jr., Arnoldo and Ambarina. Each of her children inherited a piece of Celia’s brilliance, wisdom and determination. She was also blessed with eight grandchildren and one great grandchild: Jose Manuel II, Justin Luis, Jocelin Bernadette Villarreal, Alberto III, Adan Ariel, Armando Luis, and Araceli Amanda Barrera, and Connor Cruz Ramirez; and one great-grandchild, Juliette Marie Villarreal, all of whom were very dear and close to her.

Celia is preceded in death by her husband Alberto Barrera, her father Cruz Garcia and mother Bernarda Garcia.

She is survived by her four children: Armandina (Jose Manuel) Villarreal of Rio Grande City, Alberto (Rebecca) Barrera Jr. of Rio Grande City, Arnoldo (Norma) Barrera of Kingsville, and Ambarina (Daniel) Ramirez of Rio Grande City; her eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her sister Angelita G. Longoria and her brother Jose Natividad Garcia. 

Celia’s warmth, dedication, and love for her family and community will be deeply missed.  Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those she touched.