Elida Willard

Elida was born April 24, 1953 in Odessa, Texas to Elias Tavarez and Refugia Anaya. She went to Ector High school in Odessa. She married George Willard on October 17, 1995 in Odessa. She worked for Ector County Independent School District for many years before she retired. After retirement she spent her time beading jewelry, shopping, spending time with her grandchildren and listening to music while gardening in her backyard.

Elida is preceded in death by her father, Elias Tavarez; grandmother, Lucia Anaya; stepmother, Isavel Tavarez; and brothers, Elias Tavarez Jr. and Esteban Tavarez.

Elida is survived by her loving husband, George Franklin Willard; daughters, LaToya Washington  (husband, Dacian), Mariah Swearington (husband, Jacolby); her bonus son, Geremy Willard (wife, Shimene); her bonus daughter, Keverly Willard; her dear fur baby, Mutzzy; sisters, Lucia Peña (husband, Pedro), Lolie Tavarez, and Lety Tavarez;  nine grandchildren, Kameron, Morgan, Genesis, Na’kayla, Gracyn, Jacolby II, Gerrick, King, and Marcus; along with many nieces, nephews and God children.

Pallbearers will be Dacian Washington, Jacolby Swearington, Zackary Lujan, Tommy Gonzalez, Ruben Tavarez, and Ezekiel Peña.

The family of Elida wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Hospice Odessa, and the many friends and family that have come by to give their condolences and prayers.

Services for Elida are entrusted to Martinez Funeral Home & Crematory. To send the family condolences please sign her guestbook at www.martinezfuneral.com.