Juana "Juanita" B. Gaytan

Surrounded by her loved ones, Juana “Juanita” B. Gaytan went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 11, 2025. Her remarkable 101 years of life stand as a testament to her strength, selflessness, and devotion to her faith, family, and community. She lived by the 23rd Psalm, “Jehová es mi pastor; nada me faltará.”

Born in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 30, 1924, to Margarito and Alejandra Gaytan, Juanita grew up with her beloved sister, Gloria. At 16, she married and soon welcomed her first daughter, Rosa Maria, followed by her second daughter, Alejandra, at the age of 19.

From an early age, Juanita exhibited an extraordinary sense of purpose and strength. With fierce determination to care for her young daughters, she trekked into the mountains to gather plants, which she then sold to support her family — one example of her boundless love and sacrifice.

In the late 1940s, Juanita courageously relocated with her daughters to the United States to pursue a better life, settling in San Benito, Texas.

Juanita worked hard to provide for herself and her daughters. She cleaned houses, worked as a cook at El Taco Jardin, and cared for the elderly, always guided by her unwavering goal of supporting her family.

Becoming an American citizen brought her immense joy, and she instilled this patriotic spirit in her family for generations to come.

Juanita was a long-time member of Primera Iglesia Bautista in San Benito, Texas. There, she nurtured her faith and served as a pillar of the church, a Sunday school teacher, the leader of the women’s group, and the driver of the church van. Her ministries extended to nursing homes, where she visited regularly to offer companionship and joy to the residents, many of whom were former church members.

Alongside her daughter Rosa, Juanita contributed to local community programs, including the Cameron County Head Start Program, where she volunteered for over 33 years. She also played a vital role in voter engagement and the San Benito CISD Family and Community Engagement Program. Always by her daughter Rosa’s side, she served selflessly and with great love.

Juanita placed immense value on education. Her unwavering support and guidance will continue to inspire future generations. She has motivated her grandchildren and their children to pursue degrees and certifications across a broad spectrum, ranging from trades to bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral degrees. Her presence as a matriarch helped anchor their dreams and provided a model of perseverance and integrity.

In 2016, Juanita faced the profound loss of her daughter, Rosa, a heartbreak that could have broken a lesser spirit. Juanita’s faith in God and the deep love of her family and friends carried her through. Her nurturing spirit continued to bless and guide those around her, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by many loved ones, including her beloved daughter Rosa Maria Gomez, her dear sister Gloria Rodriguez, her brother Jorge Guevara, her beloved grandson Ruben Chaves, and her sweet great-grandson Jose Felix Guzman.

Juanita Gaytan is survived by her daughter, Alejandra Davila; 12 grandchildren: Jorge Luis (Rosemary) Gomez, Benjamin Gomez, Elizabeth (Pedro) Gomez, Rosa Anna (Mark) Montemayor, Celina (Carlos) Perez, Belinda (Rogelio) Medrano, Maria Chavez, Daniel Chavez, Beatrice (Johnny) Menchaca, Oralia “Rita” Chavez, Armando (Yvette) Chavez; 34 great-grandchildren; and 26 great-great-grandchildren.

Her life has been a beacon of inspiration — a tapestry of resilience, faith, and community uplift. She leaves a legacy of boundless love, tireless service, and the enduring strength of a woman who lived with purpose and grace. Although her physical presence has departed, Juanita’s legacy will forever live in the lives she touched and the community she helped shape.

Juanita's family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Her funeral service will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2027 at 10:00 a.m. at Primera Iglesia Bautista in San Benito. Following the service, Juanita will be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Armando Chavez, Federico Elias Gomez, Jorge Luis Gomez Jr., Rogelio Medrano, Mateo Montemayor, Elan Montemayor, Carlos Perez, and Nickolas Perez. Benjamin Gomez Jr., Jose Carlos Guzman Jr., Rogelio “Alex” Medrano, Christian Perez, Fred Perez Jr, Diego Perez, and Aiden Quiroz will serve as honorary pallbearers.

”Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)