Juanita Acevedo Tenorio

Juanita Acevedo Tenorio's journey began on August 29, 1930. She was born in Mission Texas to her mother Julia Vela Acevedo and her father Santiago Acevedo. Juanita was the second youngest of nine children. She was the last surviving child in her family. In Texas, she was affectionately called "Big Jane" or "Juana Grande" and to us, her children and grandchildren, she was "Ma" and "Gramma Boni" Juanita was raised in a traditional home. At 5 years of age she would start her day by helping make family meals, doing laundry and feeding the farm animals. After finishing her housework, she would then work alongside her brothers and father in the fields picking cotton. Juanita wanted to do something different and her desire was to go to school. Unfortunately, in those earlier times, her family believed that education wasn't necessary for women and she wasn't allowed to go. Most people would have given up, however not Juanita. She taught herself to read and write in English and Spanish. She always had a powerful fighting spirit. When Juanita was 26 years old she ventured off on her own. Although Juanita's love for Texas was as big as the state, she moved to California in 1958 to marry her first husband Pedro Martinez. Juanita and Pedro started their own family. Juanita continued to work in the fields as a farm laborer in Northern and Central California. She also worked in a variety of packing houses. As time went on, Pedro and Juanita went their separate ways. She went on to meet and marry Ismael Tenorio Sr. and began a family with him. In total, Juanita had seven children; Jane Elizabeth Nystrem (Acevedo), Evelyn Young (Martinez), Elma Castro (Martinez), Edward Martinez, Maria Elena Hinojosa (Martinez), Ismael Tenorio Jr. and Isela Tenorio. Juanita's family tree continues to grow with 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Juanita was known for her feisty personality, her cooking and most importantly her love and devotion to our Lord. Juanita accepted Him into her heart in the Spring of 1982. By doing so, she not only changed her life, but also the trajectory of her children and grandchildren and countless other people. Even in her last days, she continued to look to the Lord for His direction and she continued to remain faithful in prayer. She completed her race on August 27, 2020 when the Lord called her home. She heard those words that we all strive to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will place you in charge of many things. Come and enter into the joy of your Lord" Matthew 25:23

Juanita Acevedo Tenorio

August 29, 1930 - August 27, 2020