Belia E. Gutierrez

On Friday, January 18, 2019, Belia Gutierrez, 86, of Pharr passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends due to complications with hydrocephalus and dementia associated with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born on March 6, 1932 in Pharr and graduated from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School in 1949. She had a tremendous career with U.S. Customs and was a devout Catholic of St. Jude Thaddeus in Pharr. After graduating from high school, Belia attended vocational school , learned shorthand and worked as a secretary for various government agencies, eventually working for Lloyd Bentsen. In 1970, she started working for U.S Customs. She started out as and office clerk and eventually became one of the first few female Inspectors in the 70s. In 199, she was recognized in The Monitor when she became the first Hispanic woman to become U.S. Customs Port Director. She was awarded the Albert Gallatin Award. the highest care3er service award presented by the U.S. Treasury to federal employees that have served for minimum of 20 years. She retired 1994, after 32 years of loyal Government service. Belia was fortunate enough to have traveled to many parts of the world with her husband and family. Her often said comment was " I've lived a full and beautiful life." Belisa was the 4th child, of 9 children, and oldest daughter of Felipe and Melchora Elizondo of Pharr. Her husband Jose Eleuterio Gutierrez , her daughter, Adriana Tamez, and her five brothers, Rodrigo, Armando, Oscar, David, and Felipe Elizondo , preceded her in death. She is survived by a son Alberto Gutierrez of Pharr, a daughter, Arabella Edwards of Houston, three sisters; Elva Benitez Of Pharr, Olga Lea (Gus) and Lydia Campos (Orlando) of Houston, a son-in-law , Noe Tamez of Edinburg, four grandchildren: Robert Tamez (Celina) of Edinburg, A.J. Tamez (Dana) of Chicago, Rebecca Alves ( John) of Katy, Devin Edwards, and four great grandchildren : Xae , Hannah, Jocelyn, And Joaquin. The family would like to thank the lades that cared for our mom as if she was their own mother. The special care and attention they provided was immeasurable. Avery special thank you to Leticia Gil, her sister Adela, Rosario Medina, and Lupita Luis. We would also like to extend our thanks to St. Joseph Hospice of Pharr for all their kind and loving support. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019 at St Jude Thaddeus church in Pharr from 5:00 pm to 9:00pm with a 7:00pm Rosary. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at St. Jude Thaddeus Church. Interment will follow immediately at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Pharr.

Belia E. Gutierrez

March 6, 1932 - January 18, 2019