Arma Mata

Arma Alexander Mata, age 86, was born to Louie and Myrtle Alexander on November 11, 1931, in Locust Bayou, Arkansas, and was the youngest of six daughters. She passed away peacefully on August 18, 2018, with family by her side.

Originally named Armistice by her father because she was born on Armistice Day (now Veterans Day), she legally changed her name to “Arma,” which was the nickname used by her close friends and family. Arma was raised on a farm in rural Arkansas, where one of her favorite childhood past-times was riding horses. She was a self-professed tomboy who enjoyed lots of activities, including playing basketball on the Locust Bayou High School girls’ basketball team.

Following her graduation from high school at the age of 17, Arma moved to the city of Houston in 1949 to become an x-ray technician. While working in Houston, she met and fell in love with Dr. Juan Jose “J.J.” Mata, who was working as a surgical resident at Baylor College of Medicine. Arma and J.J. married in Houston at St. Joseph Catholic Church on May 7, 1955. Shortly after marrying, the couple moved to Laredo, TX. Together, Arma and J.J. had six children.

In 1982, following J.J.’s death on January 7, 1981, Arma moved to San Antonio where she became an avid Spurs fan. Another joy in her life was spending time with friends and family.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Iris Butler, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Carlos and JoAnn Mata; her children, Dr. John A. Mata (Amy), Richard J. Mata, Rebecca Mata Laurel (Oscar M.), Laura Brown (William), Elizabeth Mata Kroger (Bill), and Lorenzo Mata (Patricia); her grandchildren, Dr. Douglas A. Mata, David A. Mata (Victoria), Oscar M. Laurel III, Lorenzo Z. Laurel, Dr. Zachary H. Shirley, Benjamin R. Kroger, Rebecca F. Kroger, Caroline Kroger, I. Chase Jarman, William “Chico” Woodul, Maddie and Ian Macdonald, and great granddaughter, Sally, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August, 24, 2018 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, located at 3303 Urban Crest Dr. in San Antonio, Texas 78209. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday morning, August 25, 2018 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041.

Rite of Committal and Interment will immediately follow at the family plot in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Douglas A. Mata, David A. Mata, Oscar M. Laurel III, Lorenzo Z. Laurel, Dr. Zachary H. Shirley, Benjamin R. Kroger, I. Chase Jarman, and William “Chico” Woodul.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arma’s memory to Bethany House located at 819 Hidalgo St. Laredo, Texas 78040. (956)722-4152.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Road, Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.