Estella Martinez

Estella Martinez, 81, entered into Eternal Rest on Tuesday March 10, 2026, at home, and surrounded by her family.

Estella was born April 12, 1944, to Francisco "Kiko" DeHoyos and Elvira DeHoyos, the third of six children. Born and reared in Victoria, TX, she was a 1962 graduate of Victoria High School, and a proud Stingaree.

After high school, Estella went to work for Danburg's retail in Victoria and then Sears and Roebuck. She eventually met a U.S. Navy sailor from Refugio, TX, who would become her companion and true love. In 1970 she married Edward G. Martinez and began a lifetime of Faith, Love and Happiness. Five years later they welcomed a baby boy.

In 1976, when Edward was hired at Dow Chemical, Estella followed him to Brazoria, TX where they began building their life together. She was a devoted wife and mother and dedicated her life to supporting and encouraging her husband and son. Family meant everything to her, and she took pride raising her own. As her son grew, she could be found volunteering at local childcare centers, attending concerts and recitals, and although she was not a sports enthusiast by nature, spent countless nights at ballparks and stadiums, cheering proudly from the stands.

Estella worked for Dow Chemical for 18 years, and after retiring from Dow in 1998, went to work for the Brazoria County Child Development Council/Head Start program.

An ardent supporter of our U.S. Servicemen and Servicewomen, she was also a member of the Brazoria County Military Moms and Wives Club. She demonstrated her support by sending numerous care packages overseas, during the U.S. war in Iraq.

Her greatest attribute was her deep-seated Faith and Love for our God. She was a devout Catholic and a long-standing member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Brazoria. An integral part of establishing the St. Jospeh's Guadalupanos, she was also a member of Our Lady Queen of Hope Local Court #2289, of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Long after her son left home, she returned to serve the children of St. Joseph, teaching Catechism and First Communion classes.

Estella was a beloved Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister, and Friend. A quiet woman of resolute strength, she stood vehement in her beliefs. But she also maintained an elegant grace about her, and will be remembered for her beaming smile, her wit, and the loving compassion she had for others. Her absence will leave a profound emptiness in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Estella was preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward G. Martinez, parents Francisco and Elvira DeHoyos, brothers Enrique DeHoyos and Francisco DeHoyos, Jr., brothers in-law Perfecto "Pepe" Martinez, Juan Martinez, Sylvester "Chivo" Martinez, and sister in- law Guadalupe "Lupe" Garza.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted son, George E. Martinez, of San Antonio, TX, loving sisters Lupe Burney (John, deceased) of Victoria, TX, Mary Rojas of Spring Hill, TN, Linda Garcia (J.C.) of Richwood, TX; loving sisters in-law Gloria Garcia (Tim) of Refugio, TX., Mary Helen Hinojosa (Luis) of Refugio, TX as well as numerous Family and Friends she held dear.

Visitation scheduled for Wednesday March 18, 2026, 5 PM - 7 PM, and Rosary to follow at, at C.T. Baker and Sons Funeral Home in West Columbia, TX. 

A second Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Moore Funeral Home in Refugio, TX.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10 AM, in Refugio, TX.

Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Refugio, TX.

Pallbearers are John Anthony Rojas, John Davis, David Davis, John Burney, Jason Garza and Matthew Garza.

Honorary Pallbearers are Roy DeHoyos, Joseph Rojas and Ariel Burney