Ninfa Tamez Juarez

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ninfa Tamez Juarez, aged 90, in Denton, Texas, on May 15, 2026. She was born in 1935 to Octavio Tamez and Lilia Garza Tamez in Laredo, Texas.

Ninfa graduated from Laredo Junior College with an AAS in 1955. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Rafael Juarez, Jr., where they happily began their family in Laredo. In the early 60’s, Ninfa began her career as a Legal Executive Secretary working for Mr. Horace Hall, III at the firm of Hall and Hall. She later served as legal secretary to Carlos M. Zaffirini, Sr., a young attorney who joined Mr. Hall to form the firm of Hall and Zaffirini, and a few years later, when the opportunity arose, Ninfa helped Mr. Zaffirini as he formed a new law practice. Whether it was managing the office, writing contracts, preparing real estate documents, or balancing checkbooks, Ninfa would work with Mr. Zaffirini for the next 50 years, retiring at the age of 80. She loved working for Mr. Zaffirini, and she missed the intellectual challenges and the many friendships she developed at the office, but Ninfa would have more time to spend with her now retired husband.

While raising their family of six, Rafael and Ninfa were very active in their children’s lives in different capacities. By volunteering as President and Vice-President of the PTA at Urbahn Elementary, fundraising for St. Peter’s Catholic School, or attending parades, dance recitals, and band concerts in which their children were involved, Rafael and Ninfa stayed busy.

Ninfa was a devout Catholic and attended Holy Redeemer Church most of her life. Here too, she guided her children as they participated in Youth Activities and fundraisers for the church. When her husband passed away, Ninfa moved to Denton, Tx. and lived with her daughter, Cristina, for the next five years.

Ninfa is survived by her children Rafael Juarez, III (Imelda), Ruben Juarez (Pablo), Cristina Juarez Galindo, Melissa Juarez, and Rebecca Kennard (Jeremy), eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Rosa T. Diaz, and various nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her husband Rafael Juarez, Jr. (2021) and son Rogelio Gustavo Juarez (2022) as well as her sisters, Alicia Alvarado and Amada Serna.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, May 29, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd, where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday morning, May 30, 2026, departing at 9:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.

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

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.