Maria De Jesus Soward

Heaven gained another angel when Maria DeJesus Soward, 80 went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 26, 2026 in Denton, Texas.

Maria passed away peacefully, but not before living a full and meaningful life marked by an abundance of love, dedication to her family and her endless capacity to care for others. She poured her heart into making the world a brighter, kinder place for everyone she met. She leaves behind a legacy defined by her profound generosity, selfless devotion and unwavering service to others.

Maria was born on August 12, 1945 in Rio Hondo, Texas to parents, Jose Torres Silva, and Maria DeJesus Garcia-Silva. Maria was the oldest of 18 siblings. During her childhood, She helped to care for her younger siblings, managed her family’s weekly budget and completed their shopping. Maria, along with many of her siblings, helped to work on farms and orchards picking a variety of fruits or other produce.

She met and later married the love of her life Mason Ezelle Soward Sr. on March 11, 1967. Together they traveled the world living and visiting a number of countries like Germany and Spain, while her husband dedicated his life to our country serving in the military.

After moving to Denton, Texas Maria and Mason continued building a life together raising their three children, son, Mason Ezelle Jr. and two daughters Linda Gail and Monique Lynn.

Maria spent her adult life, dedicated to her career working in assembly for Peterbilt Motor Company until she retired.

Maria and her husband Mason were both very active high ranking members of their local VFW and its related organizations. Holding office, attending meetings and expressing their patriotism with heartfelt love and loyalty to our nation through their substantial long-term contributions and volunteerism.

After retirement, Maria found joy in baking. She was well known for the impressive variety of cakes that she baked with love and gifted to family, friends, and anyone else she thought needed one of her delicious cakes to brighten their day or celebrate an occasion. Baking and sharing hundreds of cakes throughout her lifetime.

Maria brought boundless beauty into the world through her love of roses. She was happiest while surrounded by the sweet fragrance of her roses and could often be found sitting on her swing pridefully admiring the dozens of rosebushes she tended to over the years. Her yard a living rainbow of every color imaginable. She enjoyed the planting, watering and talking to all of her roses. Often sharing blooms or clippings with family, friends and neighbors.

Maria is proceeded in death by her parents, Jose and Maria Silva, her beloved husband of 50 years Mason Soward Sr., daughter Linda Soward, granddaughter Mary-Ann McGregor, sister Minerva Rodriguez, brother, Juan Silva, and sister Melva Kunkle.

She is survived by her son Mason Soward Jr. and his wife Mary Soward of Sunset, Texas, daughter Monique Powers of Denton, Texas, seven grandchildren, Stormy Wilson, Brittany Soward, Mikayla Soward, Dakota Soward, Philip Green, Lorenzo Davis and Addison Lee Powers. Three great-grandchildren, Emily Wilson, Miller Wilson, and John Riley Wilson.

Twelve siblings, brother Jose Silva Jr., brother Joel Silva, sister Maria Lacey, sister Mirelda Trevino, brother Jorge Silva, sister Marinda Lynn, brother Jamie Silva, sister Melinda Godoy, sister Maricela Ross, brother Javier Silva, sister Marina Silva, and brother Jeronimo Silva.

A host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews each of whom held a special place in her heart and an abundance of extended family and friends who will all miss her dearly.

Though our hearts are heavy, and her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, her legacy of love will live on forever. Maria will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and cherished friend.

Arrangements are as follows,

Visitation

DeBerry Funeral Directors

2025 W. University Denton, TX 76201

Friday, July 10, 2026

5 PM to 7 PM

Funeral Service

DeBerry Funeral Directors

2025 W. University Denton, TX 76201

Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

10 AM

Burial To Follow

Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy.

Dallas, TX 75211

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

1:45 PM