Josephine “Josie” Helen Vasquez of Brownwood went to her heavenly home Sunday, December 5, 2025, having been surrounded for the past few days by those whom she loved.
Josie was born November 10, 1943, in Meadow, TX. She was a person with many hats and responsibilities. Being the firstborn of what would turn out to be 18 siblings she took on household duties of cooking and cleaning and tending to small children at a very young age.
Throughout life she held on to the values she cherished from that experience which matured and molded her into who her family and friends knew, respected and loved.
While raising her own family in Goldthwaite, TX she worked for Schuster’s of Texas where she had favor with company family members who would give her extra work cleaning houses on weekends while she worked her way to becoming a teacher’s aide for HCCAA at the local Head Start for children.
She moved to Brownwood in the early 1990’s where she worked at Kwik Pantry making the best homemade breakfast burritos around. Then prior to retiring she worked in the kitchen at Brownwood Intermediate School where she was loved by staff and children alike.
Josie had a deep love for family, and she loved unconditionally. She never met a stranger, and she had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. She was selfless and quick to lend a hand or give away her money and possessions. She knew Jesus and could show you who He is without saying a word about Him. Her greatest love was family, and she could go on and on about her children/grandchildren and their accomplishments. (And did that often). In her last several months under the care of Solaris Hospice then Songbird Lodge, she loved and was loved by the staff, many of whom referred to her affectionately as “Mama.” Her family’s wish was to give a big “thank you” to all the staff who worked tirelessly to make her last days as good as possible. We are eternally grateful. She will be sorely missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Arthur Longoria, 4 sisters, and five brothers.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Rudy Valencia of California, Tommy Valencia Jr. & Nina, Martin Valencia & Nora, David Valencia & Melinda all of Brownwood, 13 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers, five sisters, an uncle, Augustin Lopez and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Victory Life Church in Brownwood. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.