Carmen M. Elfrez

Carmen M. Elfrez, 97 of Marlin, entered rest on Sunday, July 31, 2022, in her Marlin home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Celebrant Gregory McLaughlin officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, Aug. 3.

Carmen was born July 16, 1925. She was a longtime resident of Marlin. Carmen married her soul mate, Alfred L. Elfrez on Aug. 3, 1945, at Santa Maria Del Pilar Catholic Church in Marlin, where she was a member for several years. She later became a member of the PCCW (Parish Council of Catholic Women). Throughout her adult life she worked and raised a family of four. Her main focus was education for all of her children.

At the age of 11, her mother passed, so at an early age she was given adult-like tasks to complete, such as cooking and tending to household chores. Her main career was the role of a caregiver to her four children. She wanted them to succeed just as she had encouraged her siblings earlier on in life. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking authentic Mexican food and reading when given the opportunity and especially tending to her “prize winning” knock out roses. She absolutely loved her flowers. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and visits from her grands and great-grands.

During her later years, Carmen found great joy in the love and support that her daughter, Andrea, provided for her around the clock.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alfred L. Elfrez; sisters, Eleanor Barron and Lucinda “Lucy” Martinez; brothers, Ramiro Martinez and Daniel Martinez Sr.; her son-in-law, John Henry Coursey of Houston and her beautiful grandson, Joseph Alfred Lopez of Houston.

Survivors include her children, Jo Ann Cruz and husband Joe of Temple, Daniel Elfrez and wife Amelia of Frisco, Laura Elfrez Lopez of Houston and Andrea Elfrez Coursey of Marlin and special friend Ross B. Streater Jr. of Marlin. She was also survived by several loving grandchildren and great-grands.

The family would like to also thank the wonderful staff at Baylor Scott and White and the loving and caring support of the staff at Bluebonnet Hospice. 

Pallbearers were Collin Judice, Lee McLaren, Zack Cruz, Ricco Elfrez, Lil Mick Elfrez and Daniel Martinez Jr.