Chavela Camacho Gonzales

Chavela Camacho Gonzales passed away at home peacefully on December 27, 2022, in Live Oak, TX at the age of 69.

She is preceded in death by her son, Clifton Charles Gonzales, her parents, Tomas, and Santiaga Camacho; Grandmother, Irena Cerna; Siblings, Ruben Camacho, Lupe Gauna, Tom Camacho; Sister and Brother in laws, Carmen Camacho, Margie Camacho, Bartloa Camacho, San Juan Gauna, and Stella Camacho; Mother and Father-in-Law, Efren and Apolonia Gonzales whom she loved dearly.

Chavela is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Clifton Gonzales, Daughter, Rebecca Cavazos (Edward), Grandchildren, Israel, Bianca, Olivia, Noah, and Great granddaughter, Ellie; Her siblings, Paul (Jean), Manuel (Aurelia), Chago (Pat), Josie, and Vicki Camacho.  Born on June 14th, 1953, in Pearsall, TX, Chavela was the youngest of 10 brothers and sisters.  In her childhood, she enjoyed making wonderful memories with her siblings and cousins playing outside. Chavela loved to play with dolls.  She was spoiled by her grandmother and always got what she wanted.  In her teen years, she discovered her love and passion for dancing and big hoop earrings.

On July 29th, 1978, she married Clifton V Gonzales in her hometown of Pearsall, TX.  Together, they built a life in San Antonio and had two children, Clifton Charles Gonzales, and Rebecca Camacho Gonzales Cavazos.  Chavela was a stay-at-home mom and took pride in taking care of her family, ensuring home cooked meals were on the table each night.  She attended and volunteered at every event for her children and always knew how to make her family feel better when something was wrong.  Chavela woke up each morning joyously to make breakfast and lunch for her husband.  She supported and loved him dearly and was grateful for the gift of being able to stay home and raise their two wonderful children.

Throughout the years, Chavela often told her children stories of her childhood that included many cherished memories with her parents, grandmother, brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends, growing up overall.  There was never a quiet moment in the presence of her sweet soul.  She held a very close bond with her many nieces and nephews, and she often expressed this love with the upbringing of her mother’s teachings in dedication to family.  Chavela was known for remembering every birthday and made a friend wherever she went.  She loved to laugh, joke, and truly lived a life of every moment mattering to life and her family.  

Chavela was diagnosed with a degenerative disease in 1995.  She often told her family she was going to fight the disease and promised herself she would be able to stand up for her children’s graduation.  Chavela surpassed this goal and so many others and while able to care for her first grandson, Israel Nathaniel from birth until elementary school age; teaching him preschool and kinder concepts.  She loved her grandchildren dearly and considered herself extremely blessed to be a grandmother.  Chavela will forever leave a lasting imprint on their hearts.

She was an active member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church.  Chavela always ensured her children received a catholic teaching, each were baptized, received reconciliation, and were confirmed at St. Monica’s Church.  She attended weekly prayer groups and made many friendships through her faith.  When Chavela was no longer able to attend services due to her illness, she and her husband watched the daily rosary and mass from home as her continued commitment to God.

Chavela will be deeply missed by so many.  Her memory will live on through her loving family and friends.  A very special heartfelt thank you to her husband, Clifton Gonzales for providing the best care for her and his commitment to his vow as a husband to care for her through sickness and in health.  The family would like to also thank the many special individuals who were with them in so many ways during her last weeks of life.

Pallbearers: David Camacho, Edward Cavazos, Gary Allen, Israel Urdiales, Jerry Camacho, Joe Valadez, Manuel Camacho, and Mario Camacho.  

Honorary Pallbearers: Noah Cavazos, Bianca Herrera, Olivia Gonzales