Javier Solis

In Loving Memory of Deacon Javier Roberto "Javy" Solis
Deacon Javier Solis, age 65, of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, entered eternal rest on July 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and the faith he so generously shared.
Born January 7, 1960, in Laredo, Texas, to San Juana and Benito M. Solis, Javy grew up in the small town of San Ygnacio, Texas. He was the eldest of six siblings and one half-brother, blessed with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and most especially, the deep devotion of his beloved mother, San Juana, whom he cherished with all his heart. Javy was preceded in death by his father, Benito M. Solis, his brother, Juan J. Solis, and his sister, Leticia "Lety" Solis. Javy's early years brimmed with friendship, school spirit, and a zest for life, especially enjoying the sports program at Zapata High School. After earning his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M - Kingsville, he worked for a short time in retail management, then spent forty years in civil service, beginning at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio. When transferred in 2000 to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma - a move made with reluctant hope - he discovered a new spiritual home at St. Philip Neri. Here, his faith took deeper root as Javy joyfully answered the call to serve in many ministries: teaching youth, championing social justice (advocating for immigrants and supporting life from conception to natural death), conducting retreats, offering aid to the homeless, leading as a Fourth Degree Member and former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, helping as a Stephen Minister, serving as the Spiritual Advisor for the Archdiocesan Council – Oklahoma City for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was also a longtime member in the Cursillo Movement - all with his hallmark laughter and compassion.
In 2012, Javy found his soulmate in Beth Nawotka, a Catholic school teacher in his parish. Together, in God's providence, they soon realized the answer to their prayers in each other. They married on June 22, 2013, before more than 400 joyful witnesses. Beth blessed Javy with a beautiful new family, including three adult children and eventually five precious grandchildren who adored their "Welo" and a large, loving extended family. A new chapter unfolded as Javy, with Beth at his side, followed God's call into the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Throughout four years of formation, the two grew in wisdom and faith, earning theology degrees through Newman University. Ordained as a deacon on November 5, 2021, Javy embraced every moment - guiding, comforting, preaching, and leading with gentleness and conviction.
His final Mass, just days before his passing, became a testament to his love: he introduced two of his grandsons, Dominic and Eli, and a newly ordained brother deacon, Dennis Caballero, who all served with him at the altar for the first time. He declared his affection for his parish family and asked for their prayers.
Javy's legacy is that of unconditional love, unwavering faith, and selfless service - a friend, mentor, and confidant whose smile and humor brightened every encounter. While his humor lifted spirits, his words and deeds always pointed to Christ.
Javy is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth "Beth"; his mother, San Juana Solis; much loved children: Mary Nawotka (Rick Dunkerley), Ann "Annie" Lynch (James "Jamie"), Sarah "Alex" Nawotka; five grandchildren (Lynch): Dominic, Elias "Eli", Bennett, Maximilian "Max", and Therese. Also surviving Javy are: his brothers, Benito "Nuno" (Nilda) Solis, Miguel "Mikey" Solis, Armando "Mando" Solis, Ricardo "Ricky" (and mother, Cecilia Flores), Beth's siblings: Robert "Bob" Archer, Jr. (Reva), Mark Archer (Cathy), Ellen Emery (Richard), Paul Archer (Cecilia), John Archer, many tíos and tías, nieces and nephews, and many more beloved family members and friends.
We invite all to celebrate Deacon Javy's extraordinary life of devotion to God and neighbor.
Visitation hours will be at the Barnes-Friederich & Pope Funeral Home at 1820 S. Douglas Blvd, Midwest City, OK. Family: Wednesday, July 9, 10am-12pm and Thursday, July 10, 10am-12pm Friends: Wednesday, 12pm-8pm & Thursday, 12pm-4pm
A Vigil Service and Rosary will be prayed at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church at 1107 Felix Drive, Midwest City, OK 73110 on Thursday, July 10, at 6:00pm.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church on Friday, July 11, at 10:30am.
Services will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/spnmwclive
Graveside Services after Mass will be at St. Martin's Cemetery just west of Douglas Blvd. on SE 74th St.
Flowers may be sent to Barnes-Friederich & Pope Funeral Home.
Donations in Javy's name may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church.
May our beloved Deacon Javy rest in the Lord's everlasting embrace, even as his memory shines on in all our hearts. Te Amo, Deacon Javy. Rest in peace. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Javier, please visit our Tree Store.