Pauline Gonzales

Pauline (Paula) Cantu Gonzales of Waco, Texas, age 89, went home to be with her Savior and Lord on April 3, 2025. A visitation in her honor will be on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 10:00am, Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home with burial following at Oakwood Cemetery. 

Paula was born in Carrizo Springs, Texas on June 6, 1935, to Martin and Delfina Cantu. She attended school in Crystal City, Texas, and was acquainted with hard work from an early age. Often, she would work in the fields before and after school. In many years past, Paula worked a handful of jobs outside of the home, but she was a homemaker at heart.

She possessed a smiling, happy, cheerful disposition. Her humble, gentle spirit was always evident. Her cherished titles were Mom and Grandma. Paula married Carlos Reyes Gonzales on December 3, 1953. They had 13 children and were married for 59 years.

Pauline is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Delfina Cantu, husband, Carlos, son, Joe Louis, daughter, Patricia, three sons named in heaven, William, Martin, and David, grandsons, Darren and Fernando and great-granddaughter, Micaela Martinez.

Paula’s greatest joy was her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She knew all their names. She prayed for them individually and wanted only for them all to know Jesus. She was a woman of wisdom, strength, faith, and perseverance. She loved Bible Study, and most days at 11:00 AM she studied with the online Church. When she journaled, not a page was wasted. Journal pages were filled with Scripture and personal handwritten prayers. Paula encouraged her children to trust in the Lord at all times. The godly love she expressed to her children enabled them to become strong, successful individuals. She will be missed greatly by so many.

Paula was well-loved by anyone who knew her. She was a giver. She gave her very best. Most days she would prepare full meals just in case someone dropped by. Trips to Wal-Mart and the local dollar store were one of her favorite things to do until she no longer could. She loved giving and receiving tiny treasures and pictures! They all had a place and a purpose. Very often she gave them away to anyone coming by. Paula loved seeing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Visitors rarely left her home empty-handed.

Her greatest love was the Lord Jesus Christ. When family members of all ages would come to her for prayer or advice, she would encourage them to seek the Lord, pray, and trust Him. She was a valiant prayer warrior.

Patriotism was deeply rooted in her life. She loved America and desired for her to become a righteous nation. Prayers for America, The President, Israel, and the Jewish people were top on her list. American flags and an Israeli flag had a prominent place in her living room and front porch. She loved our Military and was especially proud of her four sons and three grandsons who served or are currently serving.

Paula is survived by eight children; James Gonzales (Lynne), Carlos Gonzales (Sylvia), Priscilla Stinnett (Phil), Melisandra “Bambi” Garner (Keith), Cynthia Jaramillo (Ricardo), Roger Gonzales (Maricel), Patrick Gonzales (Gloria), and Michael Gonzales. Additionally, left to take up the mantle are her 31 grandchildren, and 42 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Contributions or donations can be made to Glory Bell Church.