Emma C. Gavito

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – Emma C. Gavito, affectionately known as “Bebe,” was born on January 16, 1932, in Benavides, Texas, and passed away on Sunday, the 29th of June 2025, in Brownsville, Texas, at the age of 93. She lived a life marked by deep devotion to family, education, and community.

While attending Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Emma met her future husband, Juan Enrique Gavito, who was studying at St. Mary’s School of Law. Her brother, O.P., was also a law student, and through this connection, Emma and Juan Enrique began a lifelong partnership.

After graduating from Incarnate Word College, Emma became a dedicated educator and administrator with the Brownsville Independent School District, where she taught at A.S. Putegnat, J.T. Canales, and Webb Elementary schools. She later served as Assistant Principal at Vermillion Elementary. Emma played an instrumental role in pioneering the bilingual program at Webb Elementary, as well as launching the ITV program and the Parental Involvement Program within BISD. Her lifelong commitment to education left an enduring legacy in the lives of countless students and families.

Emma’s family that left before her include her beloved husband of 60 years, Juan E. Gavito; her son, V. A. Gavito; her parents, D. C. Chapa and Emma Peña Carrillo; and her three brothers and one sister.

Emma is survived by her children: Emma L. Gavito (Richard Shinsky), Juan E. Gavito, Jr. (Judy), Sam Gavito (Irma), Gracie Touchy (Hugh), and Consuelo Gavito. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Bryant Touchy (Jocelyn), Michael Touchy (Brooke Culley), David Shinsky (Justin Burwell), Marissa Shinsky Owusu (Denziel), Samuel and Briana Gavito, and Uriel and Efraim Gavito; as well as her treasured great-grandchildren: Caden and Ellie Foster, Peyton Shinsky, Sophia and Bryant Touchy, and Londyn Owusu. She is also survived by her sister, Elma C. Stockwell, a sister-in-law, Lydia Gavito Brackney, and numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, the 2nd of July 2025 between the hours of five o’clock in the afternoon and nine o'clock at night, with the recitation of the holy rosary to begin at seven o'clock Wednesday evening within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ten o'clock in the morning on Thursday, the 3rd of July 2025 at St. Luke Catholic Church, 2800 Rockwell Drive Street, Brownsville. Interment will then follow, via an escorted procession, at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4464 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville.

Honored to serve as her pallbearers will be Richard Shinsky, David Shinsky, Samuel Gavito, Uriel Gavito, Bryant Touchy, and Michael Touchy.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Gentiva Hospice for their care and support during Emma’s final days.

Emma C. Gavito will be remembered for her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, and lifelong commitment to the betterment of her community. Her presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Memories of Emma may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey, CFSP and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.