Josefina Villanueva Silva Obituary (1923 - 2021)

Josefina Villanueva Silva, affectionately known as "Josie", went to be with the Lord peacefully on the evening of April 26, 2021. She was 97. Josie and her twin sister, Josefa, were born on November 28, 1923 in Harlingen, Texas. Josie's twin was also known as "Henrietta" and she would often call her "Henry" when speaking to her personally. While Henrietta married before Josie, they both married later in life. In 2002, they were both widowed and, once again, lived together until Henrietta passed away in 2020. They loved and cared for each other very much and were virtually inseparable. In fact, it has always been hard to talk of one without talking of the other. Among family, they were lovingly known as "Las Tias Cuatas", which is Spanish for "The Twin Aunts". Josie and Henrietta shared a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ and witnessed of His saving grace everywhere they went. They would pray fervently, with authority and were never ashamed of being Pentecostal believers. Josie and Henrietta had an immense joy and talent for singing hymns in Spanish. They knew, by heart, the lyrics of what seemed like hundreds of hymns and 'coritos'. Their voices were beautiful. One would sing the melody and the other the harmony. Josie listened to those songs and did her best to sing along just days before she passed. Josie and Henrietta scarcely missed a service at church while their health sustained them. They also loved spending time with family and friends and easily became the center of attention at any gathering. They very often dressed in the same outfit. Josie and Henrietta were loveable in every way. Josie was a beloved wife for 20 years and was a very special aunt and sister. Josie's homegoing marks the passing of a generation from this earth. She was the last of her siblings to answer the roll call up yonder. Josie has certainly impacted the lives of countless souls. While her passing leaves an empty space in the hearts of many, the inspiration she gave, and her legacy of unwavering faith will live on in the souls of all that knew her. Josie's family would like to extend their very heartfelt gratitude to Nora Richardson for caring for Josie (and Henrietta) for so many years. They loved her dearly and she showed them love, care, and compassion as if they were her own family. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to John Patlan and Elsa Garza who have been instrumental in tending to Josie's needs and carrying out her wishes. Josie was preceded in death by her parents, Jose C. Villanueva and Hilaria Perez Villanueva; husband, Margarito Silva; brother Manuel Villanueva; sisters, Natalia Perez, Maria "Sofia" Sauceda, and twin sister, Josefa "Henrietta" Molina. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Viewing and Visitation will be on Friday, April 30, 2021, from 5-7 pm at Carnes Funeral Home, 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, TX 77591. The Memorial Service will begin at 7pm with Josie's Pastor, Cresencio Veliz, of El Salvador Assembly of God in Texas City officiating. Graveside service will take place at Galveston Memorial Park in Hitchcock, Texas, on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 10:30am. Those visiting on Saturday should go directly to the cemetery.