Maria Luisa Guzman

Maria Luisa Guzman was set free from her battle with dementia to join her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Encounter Church, 10 Elm Ave., in Dumas with Frank Gordoa officiating.  Burial will be at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.  Arrangments are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 500 N Maddox.

Maria was born on June 21, 1947, in Laredo, Texas to Narciso and Jovita Peña. She was the oldest of six children.  As a young child, she moved to Dumas, Texas and started elementary school with her family. Despite having to learn a new language and culture, she thrived in school and made many friends. Maria spent the rest of her life in Dumas – marrying and raising her three children.

Maria graduated from Dumas High School in 1965. She enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom until her children were old enough to attend school.  She worked for Moore County Tax Office for many years, then worked for 15 years at Shamrock Federal Credit Union as a loan officer. She loved being able to serve her members and developed many friendships through her work.

Maria loved big and passionately.  She adored her children and focused much of her time on nurturing her relationships with them. She was a wonderful mother – protecting, caring, loving, and giving. She taught them the value of play, fun, and laughter.

Maria was gifted in friendship.  She hosted many parties and showers and attended just as many.  She had a giving heart and loved to give gifts – many of them homemade, be they baked goods, painted crafts, Christmas ornaments, knitted slippers, and many more. Her gift at gardening was enviable – she loved bringing life to rose bushes, geraniums, peach and cherry trees, and so many others. Her efforts contributed to her yard being recognized as Yard of the Week.

Maria was always fun to be around – she loved to laugh, play games, dance (especially The Twist!), go to the lake, entertain, and cook. She was well-known for her Spanish rice, carne guisada, as well as popcorn balls, and potato soup! She might be covered in flour baking in the kitchen with one of her grandchildren, singing silly songs to the newborn grandbabies, playing Loteria and poker with her kids and grandchildren, and keeping poker money for each grandchild (in a Crown Royal bag, like any good grandmother would) so they always had money to play when they came to visit.

Maria married her husband, Paul Guzman, on January 1, 2006.  She enjoyed going to movies, dancing, and worshiping with Paul.  She was blessed by his love for the Lord and it helped her grow in her own relationship with Him. She embraced the kindness of his siblings and was honored to be a stepmother to Paul’s children.

Maria has now reunited with her parents and brothers Ramiro and Oscar, who preceded her in death.

Until joined in heaven, she is survived by her beloved husband, Paul Guzman, who loved her faithfully throughout her disease process – caring, advocating, praying, and ensuring all her needs were met. She is survived by her greatest joys, her children: Terri Solis of San Antonio, David Hernandez of Amarillo,  Amy (Chris) Hord of Canyon, Liane Hernandez of San Antonio, step-son Aaron Guzman of Amarillo, and step-daughter Christina Dawson of Amarillo, grandchildren: David “DJ” (Kara) Hernandez, Dylan Nicholson, Marissa (Aaron) Thomas, Alexis (Austin) Tyler, Jacob Hord, Camryn Hernandez, Joshua Hord,  Nicole Hernandez, Alex Dawson and great-grandchildren: Greyson, Ian, Olivia, Jude, Jonah, Camila, and Crew. She is survived by siblings: Berta (Cesar) Hernandez, Hector (Becky) Pena,  and Armando (Alma) Pena and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends a the funeral home on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and would like to express appreciation to Memorial Hospice and Memorial Nursing and Rehabilitation – your compassionate care and support provided great comfort to Maria and her family. To honor Maria, we ask that you take time to dance, laugh, and enjoy life. Love others big and hug them often. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association and Family Support Services of Amarillo are appreciated.