Theresa Marez (née Valdez)

Known to family and friends as Tre and affectionately called Nani by her two cherished grandchildren, Theresa Marez (née Valdez), age 76, passed away on January 23, 2026, at Whisperwood Nursing Home in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband of 56 years, Jessie, by her side.

Theresa was born on October 15, 1949, in rural Otero County near Manzanola and Rocky Ford, Colorado, to Melesia "Molly" and Miguel "Mike" Valdez. She later made West Texas her home, where she built a life defined by perseverance, strength, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved, served, and represented.

Theresa grew up in County Line and graduated from Abernathy High School in 1968, where she proudly graduated third in her class and was the highest-ranking female student.

On October 25, 1969, Theresa married Jessie Marez at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Together they shared a beautiful family, a successful business, and a lifetime of love.

A true fireball, Theresa championed and cheered tirelessly for her family and community with energy, heart, dedication, and fearless advocacy, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Known for being active, Theresa was a longtime member of the West Texas Running Club. She participated in countless 5Ks, 10Ks and proudly completed a half marathon. She walked, ran, and biked as long as her health allowed, often joking that she loved to eat, so she ran. Generations of locals remember seeing her running through town, on the road to County Line, and at her favorite spot, the AHS track. Even after frontal lobe dementia set in, she continued to log miles, speedwalking the halls of Whisperwood to stay active. A talented and fiercely competitive soccer player, she played for years - often on winning teams with her sisters - and later coached championship Abernathy boys' youth soccer teams in the 1980s.

A powerful voice, known for standing her ground when fairness was at stake, Theresa was elected in 1992 to the Abernathy Independent School District Board of Trustees, becoming the first Hispanic female to serve on the board. She served multiple terms over the next decade, never hesitating to speak up for students, families, and issues she believed were overlooked. She genuinely believed it was her responsibility to represent those perceived to be the underdog and to fight for anyone without representation or who she believed needed and deserved a louder voice. She was a fearless advocate.

In addition to her athletic prowess and civic leadership, she also had a creative side. A gifted, self-taught seamstress, she often handcrafted outfits for herself and her daughter. Many weekends included "Make It with Cotton" contests with her daughter, sister, and nieces, where they competed and modeled perfectly tailored outfits. She also loved music. She loved to dance and sing, and played the cherished clarinet gifted to her by her father that was later passed down to her sisters, daughter and generations of family musicians.

Theresa easily went from board meetings and band performances, to soccer, football and baseball games, award ceremonies and school plays, ballet recitals, track meets and too many other events to count. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on her daughter, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. And she brought the same energy, love, and unstoppable enthusiasm to each event. At high school cross country meets, runners would swear she ran as many -or more- miles as they did because she sprinted from spot to spot to cheer on her daughter, nieces, and their teammates.

And just as she attended every athletic and academic event of her daughter, she continued the same tradition for her grandchildren. She loved watching her granddaughter tumble at basketball halftime shows and compete at meets, cheer at football games, perform in dance recitals, and of course play soccer, T-ball, and volleyball. She was a frequent walker at her grandson's golf tournaments and always had a prime seat at the top, on the 50-yard line, at football games to cheer him on, loudly and proudly. She was at awards assemblies and jump rope contests, skating parties and polar express train rides, and more. Even as her health required her to step back, Theresa's love, energy, and presence were felt at every game, golf tournament, performance, and school event.

Professionally, Theresa played an instrumental role in building and growing Jessie's business, Abernathy Custom Paint. She was the company's bookkeeper from its inception in 1977 until her diagnosis in 2017. Her dedication, attention to detail, and support were an integral part of the business's success. Theresa also committed that same dedication in her professional life outside the shop. She left a lasting impact on customers, colleagues, residents, students, and families at Struve Implement, Southwestern Public Service Company, the Lubbock State School, and Dunbar High School.

She was a passionate supporter of the Abernathy Antelopes and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Theresa's life was a testament to determination, strength, and love. She will be greatly missed, though her legacy lives on in the family she created, the traits she passed down, and the many memories shared by those who loved and knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Molly Valdez, her brother and longtime running partner, Mike Valdez, and nephew Dusty Balderas.

Theresa is survived by her husband Jessie Marez; daughter Christye Marez Cottrell; grandchildren Catalina and Cole Cottrell; sisters Jane DeLeon (John), Delphinia "Dee" Moralez (Eloy), Judy Balderas (Billy), Faye Cook (Tom), and Kathy Flores (Abel); and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the charity of their choice.