Silvestra Nieto

Silvestra "Betty" Martinez, 75, was called to her eternal home Feb. 21, 2016 with her family by her side. She was born Dec. 31, 1940 to Josefa Galvan and Bonifacio Nieto in Moulton, Texas and was the youngest of 10 children. Betty was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and attended the St. Joseph Catholic School. At 18, Betty discovered a passion for childcare that she would later turn into a lifelong career. On Jun. 1, 1968, Betty married her other half, Estevan "Steve" Martinez at St. Joseph Catholic Church; the couple resided in Moulton throughout Betty's life. In her early years, Betty enjoyed working at the Olle Pharmacy Café, serving up smiles and joy to the community. She then returned to her love of children and education by starting a childcare center in her home. Betty raised many of the children in Moulton and the surrounding area for almost 60 years. Known as Auntie Betty or simply "Momo" to many she raised, she shared her limitless love with everyone. Adored by many, she was known to have a ready hug and warm tortillas for her kiddos; everyone knew to stop by Auntie Betty's during the holidays for her famous tamales. Betty remembered all of her kiddos she raised and loved them as her own; she was so proud to have raised three generations of the same family. She may have opened her home to many, but she gave them her heart as well. Throughout her life, Betty enjoyed supporting the community and faith she loved. She was involved with the Junior Catholic Daughters of America and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She was a CCD teacher at St. Joseph Catholic Church, served as a Cub Scouts den mother, and assisted with 4-H. In 2012, she was honored to have been nominated by the community of Moulton for the Distinguished Citizen Award in recognition of valuable contributions to the community. Of all the things she accomplished, Betty always said her greatest achievement was her children and grandchildren. Betty lived a life of joy in all that she did. She said she'd lived a life full of love and was at peace with her journey coming to an end. Forever true to her heart, her last words were "I love you". Betty wants everyone to remember her, not with sorrow, but with the joyful heart that she expressed every day of her life. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Linda Perez and Ester Nieto, and brothers Vive, Fred, and Marcelino Nieto. Survivors include her husband, Steve, four children, and three grandchildren: Stephanie of Grand Rapids, Michigan (husband, Joseph Grey, children, Gabrielle "Gabi" and Joseph "Joey"), Carolina of Fort Worth (partner, Tom Martens), Manuel of The Woodlands (wife, Laci, son, Augustus "Augie"), and Sofia Martinez of New Braunfels. Also surviving are her four siblings: sisters Flora "Laura" and Mere "Mary" Nieto of Moulton, and brothers Felipe and Joe Nieto of Moulton. Visitation will start at 8:00am Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Smith Funeral Home Chapel. A rosary will be recited at 7:00pm Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am Thursday, February 25, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church-Moulton. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Words of comfort can be expressed to the family at www.smithfuneralhomemoulton.com Smith Funeral Home- 404 West Bobkat Drive- Moulton, TX 77975 - Phone# 361-596-4631
Visitation Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Rosary Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Funeral Service Thursday, February 25, 2016