Martha Porras Rey

Martha Porras Rey, 65, left to be with our Lord on June 28,2023 due to prolonged medical issues. She passed at Midland Memorial Hospital.

Martha was born September 25, 1957 in Big Spring, Texas to Jesus and Celia Porras. Martha married Juan Lujan Rey on August 3rd, 1985 in Odessa, Texas and they had 3 daughters.

Martha was a devout Catholic and attended Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where she sang in the church choir.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesus and Celia, and her twin sister Bertha, who passed at birth.

Martha is survived by her husband Juan L. Rey and her 3 daughters: daughter Juliana Garcia and husband Roy Garcia III, and their children Roy IV, David, Dominic, Lorenzo and Julian of Lago Vista, TX; daughter Tracey Blanco and husband Daniel Blanco and their children Daniel III and Lani of Ft. Stockton, TX; and daughter Gracie Matta and husband Mario Matta, and their children Aubrey, Audrey and Damien all of Odessa, TX.

Martha is also survived by her siblings; Juan, Jesse and wife Sulema, Bertha, Mary (Lolly), Cecilia (Cissy), Edward (Herman) and partner Armando, and Michael and wife Yvonne.

Martha was a big part of our lives and will be deeply missed. We will all remember her energetic personality, her infectious laugh, and her beautiful voice. Everyone who knew Martha knew her as a mariachi. Her love from music started from a young age when she heard her father sing and it stayed with her for life. She honed her singing skills as a little girl with her mentor, Memo Ramirez, and started singing in a mariachi group with some of the neighborhood children. She even sang with the all girls choir in church. She felt the best way to keep her culture alive was to sing.

Some of the things that were the dearest to Martha were her family and her work in the community. She preformed at Sunday services, bautismos, weddings, birthdays, funerals, family reunions, community functions, and many different kinds of fiestas. She made a career as a data processor at Medical Center Hospital, was a secretary at Jesse’s Paint & Body as well as at William Tractor Services. Her work didn’t stop there. She worked as a teacher of folklorico dance and guitar lessons at Noel Elementary, was a clerk and then secretary at Crockett Junior High. Martha was never hesitant to donate her time to families in need, whether it was feeding the homeless or being there to lend a hand in any situation because she knew what it was like to struggle and come out on the other side. She created many wonderful memories with family and community not just with her singing but also with her willingness to do for others.

Martha’s talent drew attention from other musicians to invite her to sing. Some of the most notable local moments were performing with the Odessa Symphony Orchestra & Corral. She also opened for George Lopez, and she accompanied songs with Antonio Aguilar, Mariachi Vargas, and other various artists.

Pallbearers; Daniel Blanco III, Roy Garcia IV, David Rey Garcia, Dominic D’Angelo Garcia, Jesus Alejandro Porras, Robert Olivas Jr, Juan Marcos Porras, Johnathan Michael Porras.

Honorary Pallbearers; Juan Ricardo Porras, Julius Marcus Porras, Joshua Matthew Porras, Miguel  Antonio Porras Jr, Mark Angel Porras, Matthew Andres Porras, Lorenzo Raul Garcia, Julian Mack Garcia, Damien Xavier Matta.

Thank you’s

MCH and Midland Memorial Hospital thank you for your patience, love and compassion while Martha was in your care. Thank to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Daughters of Mary of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for your love, prayers and support. Fabela’s restaurant Casa Ortiz, Roosters, La Margarita and Carlos Peña thank you for your love and generosity for our family. Also to many dear friends and extended families who have prayed, visited, sang and shared in so many wonderful memories with Martha, thank you so much. May God bless you all and keep you safe always.

Our Grandmother was an absolute wonder. She gave the best hugs, some of the most eye opening and great advice, she loved all her grandchildren so much. She would cater to each of the grandchildren’s likes and dislikes to make it more fit to their personality. She would go above and beyond to make each and everyone of them happy. Whether it was birthday parties, card games, road trips, or even something as simple as listening to her singing or her stories. She had nicknames for all her grandchildren. She was always the first to help when they needed it, and she always went above and beyond for her grandkids. She will be forever remembered, loved, and talked about. We are all blessed to have had her in our lives. We love you grandma, May the Lord guide you home. Until we meet again.