Julia Rodriguez

JULIA MERCADO RODRIGUEZ

Julia Mercado Rodriguez beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister and friend passed away on April 18, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her family. She was 69 years of age.

Julia was born on March 26, 1956 in Littlefield, Texas to Jesus Mercado and Lidia Acevedo. She grew up in the Panhandle of Texas and attended various schools and received her GED in Lubbock. Julia worked for many years as a teacher’s assistant with special ed children and retired from Lubbock ISD. Even after retirement she would substitute to help with the special needs children.

Besides spending time with her children and grandchildren and cooking for them, Julia enjoyed going with her husband, John Rodriguez, to garage sales, live concerts and church bazaars. Julia had a zest for life and loved being with people. She never met a stranger.

Survivors left behind to treasure her memory are her husband, John, children, Angel Leo Rodriguez, Joel Rodriguez (Tabitha), Jimmy Benjamin “Benji” Rodriguez and Lidia Rodriguez and stepchildren, John, Patrick and Arthur Rodriguez and Leslie Esparza (Felipe). Julia especially cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren: Nasya, Noah, Josiah (Joel); Zechariah and Jaylen (Lidia).

In addition ,she is survived by sisters, Maria Luisa Mercado (Stephen McIntyre), Lucy Prado (Raul), Victoria Valadez; brothers, Eliodoro (Lolo) Mercado (Diana), Jesus (Jesse) Mercado (Rosa Cabello), Johnny Mercado, and Vicente (Vince) Mercado (Rosanna); and many nieces and nephews.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Jesus and Lidia Mercado; her brother, Joaquin Mercado; her son, Christopher Rodriguez; and former husband, Jimmy Rodriguez.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Guajardo Funeral Chapels, 407 N. University Ave. Lubbock, Texas 79415. Visitation will be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Guajardo Funeral Chapels. Burial will take place Saturday, May 3, 2024 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at City of Lubbock Cemetery, 2011 East 31st St., Lubbock Texas 79404.