Hinelda "Nellie" G. De Leon

Hinelda (Gonzalez) De Leon, affectionately known as Nellie, peacefully went to be with our Lord on Saturday, March 20, 2021, lovingly surrounded by her children. She enjoyed 80 glorious years of life.

Nellie was born in Brownsville, Texas, to Josefina and Servando Gonzalez. She married Jose Angel De Leon in June 1969, and they enjoyed over 51 fruitful years of marriage. They went on to have four children: Daniel, David, Diana, and Dalberto “Louie”.

God, family, service, and love was above all else to Nellie, values she instilled in all those around her. Nellie expressed this as she closed each conversation with, "Stay close to God, and I love you to the moon and back."

Nellie retired in 2003 as an Inspector with the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service after 36 years of service. In addition to being a dedicated wife and loving mother, Nellie was a devout Catholic and held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her.

Nellie was preceded in eternal rest by her parents: Josefina and Servando Gonzalez, a brother, Servando Gonzalez Jr. and a sister, Yolanda Trevino.

Nellie is survived by her husband, Jose "Joe" De Leon, and children Daniel “Danny” (Araceli “Sally”) De Leon, David (Judy) De Leon, Diana (Lucio Jr.) Cruz, and Louie (Laura) De Leon. She also had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were always the apple of her eye. Aside from her husband and children, Nellie is survived by her siblings: Gilberto (Celia) Gonzalez, Ninfa (Jesus+) Rodriguez, Josefina Loya, and Ofelia (David+) Garza.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm with the recitation of the holy rosary scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. in the East Chapel at Darling-Mouser Funeral Home. Visitation will resume at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 2800 Rockwell Drive. Committal services will follow at Buena Vista Burial Park. CBP will be honoring Nellie’s years of service with a flag folding and presentation service at the graveside.

Nellie’s son, Dalberto Luis “Louie” De Leon; her grandsons, Lucio Cruz III and Isaac J. Aguirre; and her nephews: Servando “Sal” Loya, Noe D. Garza, Arnold Gracia are honored to be serving as Nellie’s pallbearers.

Daniel and David L. De Leon, Lucio Cruz Jr. and her grandchildren: Falisha De Leon, Daniela Aguirre, Lynette E. Cruz, Isaac J. Aguirre, Deborah A. De Leon, Leeawny L. Rodriguez, Michael A. De Leon, and Deven L. De Leon will serve as honorary pallbearers.

As a family, we are eternally indebted to so many that assisted with our mother's care, sent well wishes, and joined us in prayer. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to Chief Sauceda and the men and women of the Brownsville Police Department for their unwavering support. We also want to recognize the fine, caring, and compassionate staff at Valley Baptist Medical Center, Solara Specialty Hospital - Brownsville and Valley Regional Medical Center. Special thanks to U. S. Customs and Border Protection Honor Guard for honoring her years of service with a special ceremony at the graveside.

We will continue to adhere to our policy of 100 persons within the funeral home at all times. A face mask and social distancing policies will be required during all services at all times. At this time outside food is not allowed. We thank you for your cooperation in following these procedures to ensure everyone’s safety.

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

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Darling-Mouser Funeral Home, 945 Palm Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78520 and (956) 546-7111.