Francisca De Martinez

Francisca Martinez, affectionately known as "Maria", passed away on November 13, 2025, in Mansfield, Texas. She was born on October 9, 1949, in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and built a lifelong legacy of generosity, creativity, and service to others. Maria had an entrepreneurial spirit- and she will be remembered for giving freely and loving her family without limits.
Maria was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life for more than 50 years, Rojelio "Roy" Martinez. Maria and Roy were inseparable-always smiling, always holding hands, rarely seen apart. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Christi and Melanie. Maria devoted her life to protecting and supporting her girls, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren: Kathan, Kaylen, Braydon, Malaki, Dominic and Adonis.
A gifted gardener and skilled crafter, Maria found joy in creating beauty around her. She loved giving back to her local community. Maria and Roy were once the proud owners of the HiHo Ballroom in Grand Prairie, TX, where they hosted teen nights to give young people a safe place to dance and enjoy live music from popular artists. Later in life, she became an avid cruiser. She loved the casinos, spending time with her family, and dancing the night away as they traveled together to visit 15 different islands.
Maria was also preceded in death by her parents, Elida and Miguel, and her siblings, Zenaida and Jesus.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Maria's life at a visitation on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Guerrero-Dean Funeral Home in Grand Prairie, TX.
Maria will be buried on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:30 AM at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, TX, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Rojelio.
To celebrate Maria, the family kindly requests that guests wear her favorite colors, pink or red, to her services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Dementia Society of America at http://www.dementiasociety.org