Berta B. Hernandez

Our Lord richly blessed us with the life of Berta Hernandez, who passed away on January 7, 2025 at age 94 in Austin, Texas.
Born on December 31, 1930 in Del Rio, Texas to Antonio and Josefa Borrego. The home she grew up in encompassed three generations, including her maternal grandmother who taught her how to read and write in English and Spanish using the Bible. Hence, she cherished learning and excelled academically. During high school, she found the love of her life, Preciliano. Upon his return from the Korean War, they married and became a formidable team for 71 years, reflecting peace, unity, compassion.
Her utmost commitment was to her faith and then her family. She supported her husband through college, and lovingly raised three children in Corpus Christi, TX. During this time, she began taking night classes and eventually graduated from Texas A & I Kingsville with a degree in education (with honors). She was known for her strong will and determination. To achieve her goals, she often sacrificed sleep. Later she completed a master's of education degree (with reading emphasis) from Corpus Christi State University. She taught reading in elementary and middle schools in the Corpus Christi Independent School District. Reading was a way to open children's hearts to the world and life experience. She continued to enjoy reading throughout her life. Another life-long passion was gardening-the growth and beauty of plants gave her immense joy.
Upon retirement, she joined her husband as a mall walker and being involved with their grandchildren. Also, they were both volunteers at Christus Spohn Hospital South for 15 years. Her keen mind was an asset to the admissions department.
For over 50 years, Berta and Preciliano were active members of the Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church. There they were consistent volunteers with the food bank. Upon moving to Austin, they were members of Western Hills Church of Christ.
She is survived by her three children-Dr. Patricia Hernandez (Austin), Jose Antonio (Evette) Hernandez (Austin), Laura Hernandez Graham (Austin); and grandchildren-Walter Joseph (Ashley) Graham (Omaha, Nebraska), Joie Andrea Hernandez (Austin), Arie Raquel Hernandez (Austin), and Esai Erik Hernandez (Austin). She was preceded in death by her husband, Preciliano, her parents, her sisters--Ofelia Hernandez, Estela Paz, Elida Barnes, and brothers-Antonio Borrego, Jr., Noe Borrego, and her son-in-law Walter Kent Graham.
She was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. She exemplified Proverbs 31:26-28 "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Central Texas Food Bank or M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Services will be at Western Hills Church of Christ (Austin) on January 18 at 1 p.m.