Laguna Vista, TX - Maria Inez Cuevas Martinez, 43, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at her residence in Laguna Vista, TX surrounded by her loving family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Francisco Espinoza; her maternal grandfather, Miguel Garcia; maternal grandmother, Angelita Martinez; and her brother in law, Israel Martinez, Jr. Maria Inez Cuevas Martinez was a generous and giving spirit in the Port Isabel community. Her greatest loves were her children, Joseph and Letisha, and her husband, Joe. Her greatest contribution was to give of herself daily and to be of service to others, especially her community. As a Port Isabel High School graduate, Inez gave back to education by becoming a member and officer of the Parent-Teacher Organizations at the elementary and secondary levels. Believing that she could further impact the educational experience of students in Port Isabel, she sought the office of school board member in 2003. Inez remained on the Point Isabel ISD School Board until her passing. Inez was a fervent advocate and member of the Port Isabel Little League. She was a faithful member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church and of the local Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Inez attended Texas Southmost College and majored in accounting. Her personality was simple. Not a boast or brag would ever be heard from her. Inez's philosophy of being was to leave things better than they were. Oftentimes, Inez would remind us (if not by word, then by example) to be patient, to say kind things, to be generous with each other and to laugh a little every single day. Inez's generous and giving spirit will be dearly missed. Inez is survived by her husband, Joe Martinez; her son, Joseph Luis Martinez; her daughter, Letisha Trinae Martinez all of Laguna Vista; her parents, Jose and Maria T. Cuevas of S. Padre Island; a sister, Adaelisa Cuevas of San Antonio; 3 brothers, Jimmy (Carmen) Cisneros of Martin City, Louisiana, Jose (Violeta) Cuevas, Jr. and Edward Cuevas both of Port Isabel; Paternal grandmother, Guadalupe Espinoza of Port Isabel; Father and Mother in law, Israel and Josefina Martinez of Port Isabel; 2 sisters in law, Letie (Jeff) Keplinger of Laguna Vista and Lilia Martinez of Port Isabel; 2 brothers in law, Victor Martinez of Port Isabel and Leo (Diane) Martinez of Houston; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Tuesday June 30, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 705 S. Longoria St. in Port Isabel; Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 01, 2009 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Port Isabel. Interment will follow to Port Isabel City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial can be made in memory of Maria Inez Cuevas Martinez Scholarship Fund, Acct. #5944213437 C/O Wells Fargo Bank, 1800 West HWY 100, Port Isabel, Texas 78578 Pallbearers will be, Justin Keplinger, Michael Keplinger, Edward Cuevas Jr., Joey Cuevas, Manny Espinoza, and Porfirio Cantu. Words of comfort can be sent to the family of Maria Inez Cuevas Martinez to www.thomaegarza.com Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas 78586 956-399-1331.