Carmelita Flores

Maria Del Carmen “Carmelita” Flores, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of God, entered into eternal rest on August 15, 2025, in Abilene, Texas, at the age of 84.

Carmelita was born on July 28, 1941, in Harlingen, Texas, to Aurelio and Paula Palomarez. She grew up in Harlingen, where she graduated high school in 1960. In 1963, she married the love of her life, Hector Flores, with whom she shared 63 blessed years of marriage. Together, they began their life in Harlingen and then Corpus Christi before settling in Abilene in 1972, where they raised their family and built their home centered on faith and love.

Carmelita worked as a Bell Telephone Operator with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company before devoting herself fully to her most cherished vocation—that of a mother and homemaker. Her greatest joy was caring for her family. She never missed a school event, activity, or sporting competition, faithfully traveling near and far to be present for her children and grandchildren. Her presence, love, and encouragement were a constant blessing to all who knew her.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church, she was deeply involved in parish life, participating in Bible Study, the Ladies Share Group, and serving as a teacher in various church ministries. Her devotion to the Lord was evident in her daily life, and her legacy of faith will continue to guide her family for generations.

Carmelita is survived by her beloved husband, Hector Flores Sr.; her children: Hector Flores Jr. and wife Lisa, David I. Flores and wife Esmer, Michael Flores and wife Diane, and Mark E. Flores and wife Michelle; grandchildren: Kimberly Marr and husband Justin, Laura Nolte and husband Aaron, Heather Chell and husband Peter, Cianna Wilcox and husband Jayden, Kimberly D. Flores, Vegas Wade and husband Zion, Joaquin Sanders, Reznor Flores, Jonathan Mendoza and wife Elizabeth, Sabian Flores, and Lily Flores; great-grandchildren: Kinsley, Colt, Nolan, Knox, Brynlee and Susie; and her beloved sisters-in-law, Rachel Martinez and husband Joe, and Blanche Aguilar. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; seven brothers; and one sister.

Her Visitation will be Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 6:00 till 7:00 p.m. followed by the praying of The Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap Road, with interment to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Carmelita’s life was a true reflection of Proverbs 31:28: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Her faith, love, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.