Margarita Garcia Zavala, 74, of Palacios passed away May 13, 2021.  She was born on April 20, 1947 in Corpus Christi, TX to the late Alfonso Garcia and Trinidad Llanes Perez.

She was a strong Christian woman who adored all but especially her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved the Lord and served him from a very young age. She was a retired cook who also loved music. If you happened to visit her at her home, you were in for a real delicious treat. Due to her mouth watering and delightful tamales, she was known as "The Tamale Queen".  She was an exceptional mother, provider, and guardian. She was all for doing the right thing and was a good Samaritan to those who crossed her path.

Survivors include her children Eugene Stephens Sr. of Palacios, Mona Ortiz and husband Jose of Palacios, Edward Serna Jr.  and wife Toni of Palacios, Sandra Rios and husband Oziel Sr. of Palacios, Benigno "Benny" Zavala Sr. and wife Maria of Bryan, and Amanda Zavala and fiancé Daniel of Palacios; her sisters Penny McCleskey of New Caney, Virginia "Mona" Garcia of Palacios, and Janie Samora of Palacios; her brother Henry Perez, Jr. of Houston; 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, former late husband Reynaldo Zavala Sr., and siblings Clarence Hernandez, Theodore Hernandez, Mary Lou Hernandez, Mary Pena, Sandy Perez, and Beatrice Sanchez.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at the Palacios Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM with Pastor Juan Aguilera officiating.  Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Oziel Rios Sr., Daniel Guevara, Eugene Stephens Jr., Benigno Zavala Jr., Oziel Rios Jr., Ray Zavala, Edward Serna III, and Sebastian Rios.  Honorary pallbearers will be Eugene Stephens Sr., Edward Serna Jr., and Benigno Zavala Sr.