Margarita Escamilla

Mrs. Margarita Celia P. Escamilla, 87, was embraced by the Lord’s loving arms on Monday, September 14, 2020. She was a caring daughter, a dutiful sister and sister-in-law, a loving wife, a devoted mother, a dedicated grandmother, great grand-mother, and great-great-grandmother.  Above all, she was a faithful servant of God. The youngest daughter of Manuel Pérez, a civil engineer, and Anastacia Garcia de Perez, a classroom teacher, Margarita was born on October 20, 1932 in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. Margarita leaves a legacy of love, faith, service, responsibility, commitment, and courage.

Margarita was an avid reader throughout her life and enjoyed spending the afternoons reading, working on crossword puzzles, and catching up on the most current events and world news. One of her favorite hobbies was sewing and making pillows and blankets for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed family time and sharing her life experiences with her loved ones.

Margarita married the love of her life, Pedro Escamilla, on November 26, 1950. Their relationship spanned 71 years and their marriage of almost 69 years was an example to many. They deeply loved, supported and cared for each other with a love not often seen. They had six children: Pedro Sergio, Sandra Margarita, Diana Teresita, Martha Catalina, Martin David and Claudia Anastacia.

Along with her husband Pedro, she co-owned P&M Mattress Service, which extended 150 miles in all directions and not only served the Laredo community but many others.  Margarita was a faithful servant of the Lord and in 1978, Mrs. Escamilla along with her husband, Rev. Pedro Escamilla answered the call of ministry, and together they diligently and passionately served as Pastors at Iglesia de Dios Sur Laredo, affiliated with the Hispanic Church of God with headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee. They impacted many lives through their hope-filled and love-based biblical messages. She lived a life of faith, serving Christ and serving others. Although she will be missed by all who knew her and those who love her, she is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Words cannot express the void she has left in the lives of so many.

Margarita was preceded in death by her beloved husband Rev. Pedro Escamilla, son Martín Escamilla, grandson Wilhelm Amado Lopez, son-in-law Roberto Castro and her parents, Ing. Manuel Pérez and Anastacia Garcia de Pérez. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Ing. Rolando Pérez and José Sergio Pérez, sisters, Santa Pérez de Padrón, Deyanira Pérez de Capistrán, and Teresita Pérez de Martínez, as well as her father-in-law Gen. Juan Escamilla, mother- in-law, Catalina Morales de Escamilla and sister-in-law, Dra. María Escamilla.

Mrs. Margarita P. Escamilla is survived by her children, Pedro Sergio (Sara) Escamilla, Sandra Valdez, Diana T.E (Efraín, Jr.) Lopez, Martha (Ernesto) Guajardo, and Claudia (Robert) Sánchez, and daughter-in-law, Sylvia C. Escamilla. In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren: Juan Escamilla, Margarita Celia Escamilla, Pedro Sergio Escamilla, Jr., Genaro Escamilla, Monica Escamilla, Josúe Escamilla, Noé Daniel Valdez, Felipe Valdez, Efraín Lopez, III, Heathcliff Amado Lopez, Nadja Lopez, Martha Melissa Benavides, Jennifer Gayfield, Roberto Castro, II, Jasmin Nicole Cerda, Leonardo David Escamilla, Michael Anthony Sánchez, Christine Alexandra Flores, Marcella Natasha Sánchez, her sister in law Agelia M. Perez and many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and other relatives.

We wish to acknowledge with grateful appreciation and heartfelt gratitude the support and caring attitude that our dear mom received from Dr. Mateo Reyes and his dedicated staff, Tony Martinez and staff, and CMV Home Health nurses Lydia, Edna, and Leslie.  Thank you for your always being there for our mom.

**Due to COVID-19 limitations, attendance at the funeral home is allowed only to a maximum of 50 people inside the building.  Please be mindful of this as you enter the building.  We ask that if the building is at capacity you wait in your vehicle. **

The family will be receiving condolences on Sunday evening, September 20, 2020 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez; where a prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday morning, September 21, 2020 at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapel for a chapel service at 9:00 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Laredo City Cemetery.

Pallbearers are: Pedro Sergio Escamilla, Juan Escamilla, Josué Escamilla, Efraín López III, Roberto Castro, II, Leonardo David Escamilla, Michael Anthony Sánchez, Andrés Rodolfo Rodriguez.

Honorary pallbearers are: Efraín Lopez, Jr., Ernesto Guajardo, Robert Sánchez, Pedro Sergio Escamilla, Jr. Genaro Escamilla, Heathcliff Amado Lopez, Noe Daniel Valdez, Felipe Valdez, and Manuel Cerda.

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 Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956) 722-0001.