Carmel Estrada Rodriguez, 93, of Houston passed away August 2, 2025.  She was born March 15, 1932 in Bay City, Texas to the late Pedro Estrada and Desideria Carrion.

Carmel was a licensed hairstylist by trade, but her true calling was being a devoted mother and the heart of her family. A faithful member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, she found joy in singing in the choir and generously gave her time to the church community. She made it a priority that her children and grandchildren were present and involved in church life.

Outside of church, Carmel loved the simple joys of life — taking the kids fishing, crabbing or picking dewberries on warm afternoons, but above all, her greatest passion was cooking. Her kitchen was always open, her table always full. With every meal, she brought her family together, welcoming everyone with love, warmth and something delicious to eat.

Though Carmel is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in every song sung in church, every family gathering around the table and every quiet moment shared outdoors. Her legacy is one of faith, love and unwavering devotion to her family. We will miss her laughter, her meals and her steady presence — but we will carry her with us, always.

Rest peacefully, Mom. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten. As Van Vincent would always say, "Nobody has a pretty mama like me."

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Peter Rodriguez and Van Vincent Rodriguez and her siblings Antonio Estrada, Dominga Estrada, Fortunato Estrada, San Juana Estrada, Benito Estrada and Nativida Estrada.

Survivors include daughters Nancy Nelson, Norma Villa and Nora Rodriguez; sons Joe Luis Rodriguez, Jesse Lee Rodriguez and Eric Anthony Rodriguez; sister Virginia Rodriguez; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, August 8, 2025, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.  A rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM.  Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 Noon Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Rev. Gabriel Espinosa officiating.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.  Pallbearers will be Adrian Rodriguez, Andrew Nelson, William Longoria, Jordan Martinez, Jacob Martinez, Curtis Cobert, alternate Javier Escobedo.