Juanita A. Benavides

Juanita Aurora Benavides, born February 26, 1939, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Juanita spent her entire life in Laredo She graduated as salutatorian from Martin High School in 1954 at 15. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&I University at 18 and would later earn her master’s degree.

Juanita began her teaching career at MacDonnell Elementary School, where she taught for 40 years. She eventually received the Golden Apple award, which is given in recognition of excellence in education.

Teaching was in her blood considering her father, sister, and several aunts and cousins were teachers - she even married a teacher. Juanita raised three children, two of which went on to become teachers. After her retirement, she still felt the call of her vocation and went on to work as an adjunct instructor at Laredo Community College.

Juanita was actively involved in her community as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Tuesday Music & Literature Club, and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas among other organizations.

She was also a devout Catholic throughout her life. Juanita was a member of Holy Redeemer, Blessed Sacrament, and St. Patrick churches. She regularly volunteered her time at the St. Patrick Adoration Chapel.

Juanita’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a dutiful daughter, devoted wife, and loving mother and grandmother. In 2007, she was blessed with the birth of her granddaughter, Katy, and enjoyed many happy years being her “Mimi”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sabino and Aurora Salazar, her sister Lupita, and her husband of over 50 years, Joe.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Rene R. Benavides, Daniel D. Benavides, and Joanna A. Benavides, her granddaughter, Katelyn M. Richter, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will be receiving condolences on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 9 a.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026 departing at 10:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

A private cremation will take place at a later date.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to Holy Savior Hospice’s staff as well as her caregivers.

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 Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.