Emma Lamar Vela, 88, of Denton passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022 peacefully, surrounded by her family.  She was born to Joaquin and Antonia (Longoria) Codina on August 14, 1933 in Mission, Texas.

Emma was a graduate of Mission High School where she became the first Hispanic Valedictorian. She attended the Seton School of Nursing in Austin where she graduated as an RN in 1952.  In 1953, Emma married G. Roland Vela and retired from nursing in 1956.  In 1965, Emma moved to Denton where she took part in all her children's extracurricular activities as cheer leader, chauffeur, and team mom.  She served as a volunteer on many charitable organizations including the Denton Christian Pre-School, Meals on Wheels, St. Helena's Circle, and the Waco Shepherds Fund.  Emma had a giving spirit and was known to offer help to those in need.  She believed in education and funded many scholarships. She was a member of the Faculty Wives Club at the University of North Texas where Roland was a professor of Microbiology.  She enjoyed over 50 years as part of a Gourmet Dinner Club where she shared in international cuisine and spirited conversation.  She loved entertaining and hosting students, colleagues, friends, and, of course, family.  Emma was an avid sports fan, especially of the Texas Rangers.  She spent several decades as a genealogist where her love of research carried her to several countries.  But, most of all, Emma's greatest love was her family.  She was so proud of her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  We, as her, children appreciate the love, devotion, and commitment given to us throughout our lives.

Emma is preceded in death by her husband, Roland Vela, and her parents.  She is survived by son Jerry (Anne), daughter Anna Maria Trier (Mark), daughter Yolanda Vorel (Emerson), son Jaime, seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.   She is also survived by her brother, Jake (Irma) and sister Dora Elva. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at DeBerry Funeral Directors from 5-7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton, Texas. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton.

The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed at 10:30am on Friday, May 6, 2022 at https://www.facebook.com/events/1373867399721558/ .