Lucy Pantoja

September 10, 2022, our cherished Lucy Pantoja, was surrounded with love by her

family as she peacefully gained her heavenly wings after a valiant battle with

cancer. She was born to Miguel and Beatrice Hernandez on August 7, 1947 and was

75 years old. She faced her final days with faith, strength, and humor. No words

can express how greatly Lucy will be missed. Lucy was preceded in death by her

parents, Miguel and Beatrice Hernandez, her sister Beatrice Lopez, and brothers

Jimmy Hernandez and Rene Hernandez.

She is survived by the love of her life Freddie Pantoja, her children Tracey

Garcia and husband Randy, Tommy Pantoja and wife Blanca, Randy Pantoja and wife

Jacquie, and Ronnie Pantoja. Also surviving are her brothers Mike Hernandez Jr.

and wife Teresa, Frank Hernandez and wife Denise, Sister-in-Law Olga Benavides

and husband Frank, Sister-In-Law Carol Pantoja, 14 Grandchildren and 19 Great

Grandchildren. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends also survive her.

Their love story began when they were teenagers, Freddie saw Lucy at a De

Zavala School play and asked who she was. His friend Lucus Vega knew her and told

Freddie that she was the daughter of Mike Hernandez, the barber, and that she

lived in Linus. Freddie made a fifty-cent bet with him, saying that he would

make her his girlfriend. He went to Linus not knowing where her house was. He

saw a kid out playing basketball and asked him if he knew Lucy Hernandez. The

kid responded by saying that he knew her and said that he would tell him where

she lived for a quarter. Freddie gave him the quarter and the kid said, she is

my sister, and she lives right there and pointed to the house, that kid was Mike

Hernandez Jr., her younger brother. Their never-ending love story lasted through

5 years of dating and 57 years of marriage. She was a member of Hillside Church.

Her faith allowed her to live her life for Jesus so that others could see Jesus

in her. Lucy served Jesus Christ and her church by becoming a missionary. Her

missionary trips to Mexico allowed her to exemplify her affection for others.

She led her family in faith and prayer which gave her the opportunity to pass on

her legacy to the next generations.

Among her many accomplishments, Lucy became the very first Hispanic

twirler at Highlands Jr. High and forth Famous Robert E. Lee Marching Band.

She worked as a secretary for Mobay from 1972 to 1981. After leaving Mobay,

she opened an in-home daycare and ran that business for over 10 years. She was

known as “Aunt Lucy” and so many of the children she cared for, continued to

love her, and stayed in contact with her throughout her lifetime. Lucy was always

a creative person and opened a flower shop with her sister Beatrice and another

friend, there, she created the most exquisite flower arrangements. She also made

the most delicious cakes. Throughout the years, she adorned venues for countless

weddings and quinceaneras.

She now has the best seat in the house when it comes to watching her cherished

Houston Astros! She was an avid Astros fan and did not miss watching a game.

Lucy left us with many beautiful memories, her love will continue to be our

guide, and although we cannot see her, she will forever be by our side.

At the family’s request, wear Astros gear or a bright happy color. Please, no

black.

Pallbearers are Jake Garcia, John Pantoja, Nicholas Pantoja, Andrew

Pantoja, Eric Castillo, Fred Lopez and Albert Zamarron. Honorary Pallbearers are

Thomas Pantoja, Randy Pantoja, Mikey Pantoja, Drakeston Garcia, Memphis Phinny,

Axiel Garcia, Andres Pantoja, Kye Garcia, Caleb Castillo, Brayden Castillo,

Cayden Garcia, Owen Pantoja, Oliver Richard, Chris Castillo, Chris Castillo, Jr.  and all of her

nephews, as well as, Luz Del Toro.