News Summary
Eloise Benavides, a cherished community leader and educator in San Antonio, has passed away at the age of 101. Known for her extensive contributions to education and local welfare, Eloise inspired many through her dedication to teaching and her work with families. Her legacy includes her role in the education sector and her commitment to community service, including operating a grocery store that gave back to those in need. Her passing is mourned by her family and the community she profoundly impacted.
San Antonio, Texas — Eloise Benavides, a beloved community leader and dedicated educator, passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 101. Born on December 1, 1923, in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, she became a significant figure in the San Antonio community, where she made immense contributions to education and local welfare.
Eloise was just three years old when her family migrated to the United States from Mexico in January 1927. They arrived by train in Saspamco, Texas, before settling in San Antonio, where she was raised alongside her seven siblings by her parents, Nicolas Garza and Ysabel Villarreal Garza. After graduating from George W. Brackenridge High School in 1942, she went on to marry Staff Sergeant Dave Winn Benavides on July 15, 1945. The couple enjoyed a marriage that lasted 57 years and raised four children: David Arnold, Katherine Eloise, Jerome John, and Alma Elizabeth.
Together with her husband, Eloise operated a grocery store in downtown San Antonio for 22 years, during which they regularly donated food to families in need, showcasing their deep commitment to their community. However, the city eventually purchased the property for the development of Hemisfair and IH 37, prompting them to sell their business. Following this, Dave transitioned to a role in the District Attorney’s Office while Eloise focused on their children until the youngest began high school.
Eloise was passionate about various domestic arts, including cooking, baking, crocheting, sewing, and gardening. She was particularly renowned for her delicious chicken and rice dinners and her famous sock-it-to-me cakes. Her gardens were adorned with many types of rose bushes, reflecting her love for horticulture.
In 1972, Eloise began her career in education with the Edgewood Independent School District (I.S.D.). Starting as a library manager at H.K. Williams Elementary School for seven years, she advanced to the Central Library Office, where she managed the cataloging of new books across the entire district. She also took on the role of coordinator for the Title 7 Bilingual Parental Involvement Program, encouraging greater parental engagement in schools. Her efforts positively impacted children’s education and inspired many parents to pursue continuing education.
Throughout her 17 years with Edgewood I.S.D., Eloise became a well-respected public relations liaison and served as Vice President for Region XX Education Service Center. Furthermore, she dedicated time to researching Edgewood’s early history and was instrumental in documenting the stories of fallen heroes from the Vietnam and Korean Wars in a publication titled “Edgewood, The Story….the People.”
After retiring to care for her ailing husband, Eloise remained active in her community and family, embracing strong Christian values and ensuring kindness and support for those around her. She is preceded in death by her father, mother, siblings, husband, and son David Arnold Benavides. Eloise is survived by her daughters, Alma Benavides Garcia and Katherine Ghnassia, son Jerome John Benavides, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Recognized by many for her kindness and community contributions, Eloise’s impact was also acknowledged by caregivers and healthcare providers who supported her in her final months. A public visitation will be held on June 10, 2025, with a funeral service scheduled for June 11, 2025, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, followed by interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Eloise Benavides Obituary
- Wikipedia: Education in San Antonio
- Legacy: David Benavides Obituary
- Google Search: Eloise Benavides
- Dignity Memorial: Nick Garza Obituary
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Community History
- Legacy: Nick Garza Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Edgewood Independent School District
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
