Mary Esther Solis

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – Mary Esther Solis, age 59, of Brownsville, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, the 2nd of June 2026, surrounded by her husband and son. An enduring wife, loving mother, and dedicated school leader, Mary left a lasting mark on her family and community. Cherished by many, she was a woman of extraordinary strength who carried herself with a gentle and humble spirit.

Mary is now reunited in peace with those who preceded her in death, her father, Ramiro Lerma, Jr.; her mother, Rosa T. Gonzalez; and her grandmother, Maria Saenz Paredes.

Her beautiful spirit lives in her surviving family, her devoted husband, Noel Solis II; her beloved son, Noel Solis III; her brothers, Jorge D. Lerma (Nora) and Ramiro Lerma III (Becky); her sister, Angie Lerma; and a wide circle of extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Above all else, Mary’s heart belonged to her family. Her enduring marriage to her husband, Noel, was a cornerstone of her life, filled with mutual love and devotion. However, her greatest pride and absolute joy in this world was her one and only son. The love she held for him was boundless and served as the guiding light of her life. Mary’s deep capacity for love easily reached her extended family, who were never far from her thoughts and always held closely in her heart.

As a school leader, she believed deeply in fairness and equal opportunity for all. She poured her heart into her work, and her empathetic leadership transformed her schools into communities, where her legacy will live on in the countless lives she guided and encouraged.

Mary Esther Solis will be remembered not only for what she achieved, but for how she made others feel – worthy, loved, and seen. She will be deeply missed and forever celebrated.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, the 13th of June 2026 beginning at twelve noon at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard Road, Brownsville. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at two o'clock in the afternoon. All services will conclude at the church.

In lieu of floral arrangements and customary remembrances, the family requests that contributions in memory of Mary be directed to the Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 E. Ringgold Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520, (gpz.org).

Memories of Mary 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.