Maria De

Los Angeles Reyes

Harlingen, TX   Maria De Los Angeles Reyes gained her angel wings and took the hand of the Lord to enter the Gates of Heaven on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Sunshine Haven.  She was born in Cerritos, San Luis Potosi, Mexico to Angel Reyes and Paulina Nieto on August 23, 1936.

She was a faithful member of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Harlingen, TX where she took care of the children's nursery.

A native of Mexico, she graduated from Valley Baptist Academy (VBA) in 1962.  After graduating from VBA, Mary proudly became a United States citizen. She continued her education at Mary Hardin Baylor College, Belton, TX (1962 to 1966), earning a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Spanish.  She also attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX (1966 to 1967).  She earned a master's degree in Spanish and Religious Education from Ibero-American University, in Mexico City.

Mary worked for 35 years at Valley Baptist Academy (VBA).  While at VBA, she was a beloved Teacher, Dean of Students, Coordinator of Summer School, Librarian and Dorm Mother as well as a missionary.  As a teacher, her favorite saying was "Niños y niñas, serafines y querubines pongan atencion…"   Mary loved to organize the Mexican Supper and traditional Mexican folkloric cultural dances at VBA for years.  Mary also taught Spanish and Bible class at Harlingen Christian School (1998-2000). After her retirement she continued teaching and recruiting students for Presbyterian Pan American School in Kingsville until 2011. During her many job interviews, Mary said, "I strive to be the best teacher possible, a positive influence on the students and be there for their problems and concerns."

Mary was a world traveler.  Her love of travel led her to become a tour guide with Educational Tours (EF) for over 30 years.  She traveled with students, parents, and friends to many places including France, Italy, Israel, England, Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Greek Island and Austria to name a few.

She was preceded in death by her parents Angel Reyes and Paulina Nieto, sisters, Primitiva Reyes Nieto, Juana Maria Reyes Nieto, Maria Guadalupe Reyes Nieto, and a brother Constantino Reyes Nieto.  She is survived by sisters Maria Victoria Reyes Nieto, Esbelta Reyes Nieto, and a brother Angel Reyes Nieto.

We are grateful to Fernando Martinez, RN with Lindenwood Hospice Care and all the staff at Sunshine Haven, Inc. Olmito, TX for taking such good care of Mary during the times she spent there.  The caring professionals at Trinity Funeral Home have been entrusted with the arrangements for Mary's final farewell.  Their compassionate support and guidance during this difficult time are greatly appreciated.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trinity At Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Avenue Harlingen, TX 78550.  A Memorial service will be held at Trinity At Harrison Funeral Home on November 25, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.