Maria Zeferina Martínez de Hernández

María Zeferina Martínez de Hernández, born in Cañitas de Felipe Pescador, Zacatecas, Mexico, on January 8, 1928, passed away peacefully in Odessa, Texas, on June 19, 2025, after a brief illness. Surrounded by her family, she spent her final moments cherishing the memories they had made together.

María Zeferina was known for her strong and feisty personality, along with her infectious laughter, which brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. She repeated several sayings throughout her life, but the most meaningful was “Si Dios nos da licencia” (If God gives us permission), a hopeful reminder to always place our trust in God. Her passing will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

María Zeferina was the eldest of thirteen children. She is preceded by her husband of 60 years, her beloved Antonio Hernández. Together, they raised six children: Celeste Hensley (née Hernández), María Carolina Hernández, Manuel Hernández (deceased), Antonio Hernández, María Graciela Hernández, and Pablo Hernández.

Alongside her surviving five children, María Zeferina also had six grandchildren: Patricia Rascon (née Hernández), Rocío Greene (née Bravo), José Tejada, Celeste Bravo, Liliana Hernández, and Diana Hernández-Galindo (née Hernández). Additionally, she had a dozen great grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren.

On Monday, June 23, 2025, a private vigil and the Catholic Rite of Committal along with Final Commendation took place. In lieu of flowers and gifts, we kindly request that you make a donation to the Immigrant Defense Project, in honor of María Zeferina’s immigrant roots.