Elva Maciel

Elva Josephine (Castillo) Maciel

Proverbs 31:28

Her children rise up and call her blessed……

Elva Maciel passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at her home in Abilene, Texas.  Elva was surrounded by family who loved her dearly.

Elva was born in Waco, Texas to Antonio and Josephine Castillo on August 29, 1924.  She married Charles Maciel on August 24, 1952.  Elva was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren and offered herself to all she did, first to her God, her family, the church, and others.

Elva was an incredible cook; cooking was her love language.  She also loved to sew and quilt, (we all have at least one quilt she quilted).  She loved to garden and spent hours on her jigsaw puzzles.

Several more things could be shared about all she did and accomplished but all those things have been temporal and fleeting, they didn’t last.  The most important thing we would like to share with you as a family is that she knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  Her many years were lived with a passion to live and love and laugh….and we can’t forget the singing.  She lived a generational way, that her life would be a light to be shared with her children to their children, and to their children, and to their children.  She will be missed greatly, but she was ready to go into the presence of God.  Romans 8 says, the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.  Her last days were difficult as she loved being with her family, but she also felt the pull of her loving Father and home.  She always loved home, family, and hosting friends.  However, her joy and attention turned to her new home, a heavenly home, a home where she will not suffer from pain and tears any longer.  How could we not be envious of her longing and groaning for a new life.

The name Elva means “bright”.  Her long life was bright, and she has challenged us as a family to live extraordinary, full, bright lives.  We thank God for mom, she has taught how to live…and how to die.  She was truly an amazing woman.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eleazar “Charles” Maciel, and survived by her devoted children, Charlie and Norrie Maciel, Toni and Mike Adams, Rene` and Sabrina Maciel, and Annette Sadler.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Meghann and Brad Whitaker, Whitney Maciel, Nathan and Meredith Adams, Brittain Adams, Brianna and Ryan Johnson, Carmen and Corey Bente, Ashlee Sadler and Gene Brazee, Raleigh and Becca Sadler. Also, she is survived by her nine great grandchildren, Corinne and Blaize Whitaker, Ryenn Porras, Josephine Adams, Micah and Luke Johnson, Braylon Ramos, Charlie and Ramona Sadler.

This Thanksgiving we give thanks for our mom…. a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Honor her for all that her hands have done…Proverbs 31:30-31

A celebration service will be held in Abilene Texas on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at 12:00pm at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church upstairs in the Gathering area. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorial gifts to be given to World Missions at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Abilene, Texas, www.pioneerdrive.org/give.