Adelina Penilla Martinez

Adelina went home to the Lord to be welcomed by her Husband Benjamin on July 24, 2025, at age 90. Awaiting her in Heaven were many sisters, brothers, friends, a son, a grandson, great grandsons and her beloved parents. She died under Hospice care at Cedar Manor in San Angelo.

Adelina was born in Karnes City, Texas on December 28, 1934. Married to Benjamin B. Martinez in Concho County, Eden, Texas on December 29th, 1951, to her parents: Augustine Penilla Sr. and Martiana Gonzalez Penilla

The life Adelina had these 90 years on this earth would take volumes of pages to truly give her life story justice. Unconditional love and devotion to caring for others describes Adelina so well. Her childhood was filled with family working together in various states harvesting fruits and vegetables. When Adelina would go to school, she would get a nickel, and her drink was 3 cents and she was able to get Frito chips with the rest. She was good with money even as a child!

Upon marriage Adelina and Ben moved to Paducah, Texas. During this time her husband was a foreman, and they talked about their future. They chose to move to a city where there were more opportunities for growth as their family was expanding. In the beginning they lived in several houses around San Angelo where Mom would turn them into homes. When they bought their house in San Angelo, she turned it into a home with a warm and caring environment. She always made sure the home was clean and welcoming, making sure her children had clean and ironed clothes. Throughout her life she was a nurturer. When a sister or other family member called in an emergency she would go to them and stay until she felt she could go back home, and they were okay. She was a problem solver, a homemaker, an entrepreneur, a devoted mother and wife, a true friend and a devout Christian. When there were meals, we all remember everyone would have food first and she would keep going and eat standing up to be ready to get anything else someone would need during the meal. Mom never drove but she was always out doing things with her daughter, grandchildren, friends, and sons. Mom enjoyed the little trips and big trips David took her on. Adelina had a huge heart and shared it with everyone. She loved giving little gifts and making people happy. When something was wrong with any of us in the family, we would call her and ask her to pray for us, there was something beyond beautiful about her pure prayers that always helped us. Mom always welcomed family visits, it was never a burden, it was a blessing, a home filled with love, laughter and memories. She loved calling Diane every day and especially having Diane perm and color her hair very Blonde! Adelina and Ben had a relationship that was together, facing trials, happiness, and the future as one. Her devout faith came from the strength of her father’s conviction; she carried it her whole life. Everything is done with God. When her husband went home to the Lord, she mourned him very much and stayed strong and did what she felt was right to keep moving forward for herself and her family. We were able to be with Mom over 23 years because of her strength and love.

She is survived by her sons, David and wife Debbie Martinez, Robert and wife Martha Martinez, and Jerry Martinez Daughter Diane Martinez. Grandchildren: Crystle Martinez, Amanda Arellano, Kimberly Martinez, David Benjamin Martinez, Joe Angel Martinez, Austin Martinez, Eric Martinez, Rosie Martinez, and Luke Martinez. Great Grandchildren: Angel, Kai, Madilyn, Brooklyn, Marcus, Jazzy, Kaleb, Dominic, Macy, Baby Joe, Gio, Naya, Jeriah, Erilyn, Destiny, Cameron, Maverick, Nayomi, Jocelyn, and Olivia

She is predeceased in death by her husband Benjamin Martinez, son Benjamin, Grandson: Jerry Lee Martinez; Great Grandson: Cezar Antonio Martinez, and Mason Johnnie Martinez; Siblings: Steven Penilla, Augustine Penilla Jr., Maria Gonzales, Encarnacion Hernandez, Selia Plancencio, Eva Delgado, Belia Escamilla, Rita Gomez, Manuela Gamez, Alberta Silva, and Inez Penilla

A visititation will be Tuesday, July 29th from 5:00pm - 7:00 pm at Harper Funeral Home, with services there as well at 10am on July 30th. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery (4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, TX 76905).

There will be a fellowship/Repast at First Baptist Church Christian Life Center (37 E. Harris San Angelo, TX 76903 - Corner of Harris and Chadbourne)

Pallbearers will be Angel Martinez Great Grandson, Grandson Joe Martinez, Grandson Ben Martinez, Great Granddaughter Macy Martinez, Granddaughter in law Becky Martinez, Granddaughter Crystle Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers will be every grandchild and great grandchild

With heartfelt thanks to First Baptist Church providing a location and meal for our Repast. We thank all who have come to honor Adelina/ Mom one final time, your prayers and contributions in all forms have been a balm to us during this time. We shall miss Adelina and are grateful for all the love and cherished memories.