Iris Esmeralda Armendáriz Cantú, age 89, was born on November 20, 1927, in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and she went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the presence of God on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. She was preceded in death by Henry, her husband of 63 years, her sons Henry Lawrence and Edward Eden, and daughter Cynthia Rose.

Iris' name was given to her by her parents who were impressed with the verses in Revelation about the glory of Heaven. Revelation 4, verse 3 reads, "The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow . Emerald in Spanish is Esmeralda , and a rainbow is arco- Iris . How prophetic that she is now experiencing that majestic glory in Heaven!

Iris, along with her sisters and brothers, grew up in Mexico while her parents pastored a Baptist church and served in the ministry for a number of years. The family moved to Texas when she was 13, and her parents ministered in several Hispanic Baptist churches in the Houston area and in San Antonio. She married her husband Henry in February 1947. Together, they raised 5 children while Henry served in the Air Force, then as a career teacher and administrator in the San Antonio Independent School District. Iris was a dedicated wife and mother with the true heart of a servant and the gift of mercy. Her strong foundation of faith and sweet spirit touched many lives as she demonstrated God's unconditional love in word and deed throughout her life. To her immediate family, she is affectionately known as "Nana."

Iris is survived by her sister, Phoebe; her children Sylvia Morris of Lewisville, Texas, Celia Witt of San Antonio, Texas, and their spouses, and Henry M. Cantu of San Antonio; daughters-in-law Gail Cantu and Debbie Cantu of San Antonio; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICES

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 18, at 5:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service to be held at 7:00 p.m. at The Angelus Chapel. Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, January 19, at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, Bible donations may be given through The Gideons International.