Natalia Padilla

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Proverbs 31:30-31 NIV)

Natalia Padilla, 84, of Mathis, Texas went to be with her Lord on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017.

Natalia was born to Guadalupe and Santos Morales on Aug. 3, 1933, in Pawnee, Texas.  She was a lifelong resident of Mathis and was a charter member of Primera Iglesias Bautista of Mathis were she served as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and an active member of the church's Women’s Missionary Union.  She was a loving wife and mother, faithfully served her Savior, and worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Antonio, at Dobie Funeral Home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Antonio Padilla Jr.; one granddaughter, Lilith Serenity Amaya; sisters, Paula Olivarez, San Juana Salinas and San Juana Morales; brothers, Jose Morales, Pablo Morales and Justino Morales.

Survivors include four sons, Mike Padilla and Roel Padilla of Mathis, Joel Padilla of Crystal City and Zeke (Elizabeth) Padilla of San Benito; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Francisco Morales of New Braunfels and Merced Morales of Sequin.

Natalia's family will be receiving friends and relatives from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2017,  with a Celebration of Life service beginning at 7:00 p.m., her son, Rev. Esiquiel Padilla officiating, at Dobie Funeral Home, 121 N. Duval Street in Mathis.  Her Homegoing service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 8, 2017, Rev. Dorso Maciel officiating, at Primera Iglesia Bautista. of Mathis.  Following the service, Natalia will be laid to rest alongside Antonio at Cenizo Hill Cemetery.