Jose Atilio Tejada

In Loving Memory of Jose Atilio Tejada "Joe" September 23, 1955 – November 11, 2025
On November 11, 2025, Jose Atilio Tejada peacefully departed this life in Richmond, Virginia. His passing marked the close of a remarkable journey filled with love, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.
Jose was born on September 23, 1955, in Agua Caliente, El Salvador, near Chalatenango, to Bartolomé Tejada and Maria Angela Mata De Tejada. Raised in Los Naranjos, El Salvador, Jose learned early the values that would shape his entire life - hard work, humility, loyalty, and the importance of family. These were not just lessons he learned; they were virtues he lived by every single day.
In 1972, with courage in his heart and hope for a better future, Jose left his homeland and bravely journeyed to the United States, arriving in Houston, Texas. He came seeking opportunities not for himself alone, but for the family he dreamed of building and supporting. His life in America became a testimony to perseverance and faith in God's guidance.
Jose was a man of many talents - a true entrepreneur who mastered countless trades and turned his hands to any task before him. He first established his own construction business, J Seal Tight LLC, a company he poured his heart and devotion into building from the ground up. Every morning at 5 am, ready to face the day, often working seven days a week. In addition, he completed various projects as a private investigator. Whenever a task needed completing, Jose took it on and did an excellent job. He once said that rest could wait - because his heart was at peace when he was providing for the people he loved.
Later, Jose extended that same dedication to a new venture in Caroline County, Virginia. There, Jose once owned and operated the Mexican
restaurant "Los Dos Amigos," where his love for food and people came together. He took pride in every dish, every detail, and every person who walked through the door. Whether working with his hands or serving others, Jose approached everything with the same spirit - humility, excellence, and love.
At home, Jose's heart was the center of every gathering. His family fondly remembers his delicious zucchini eggs, a dish he made with pride and joy. He loved hosting cookouts, spending time with family, and filling every moment with laughter and music. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Jose's presence could light up a room, and his humor made even the hardest days lighter. In addition, Jose enjoyed gardening, fishing, Rancheros music, and western films. But more than anything, he loved his family and his work. Through long days and steady faith, he turned hard work into opportunity - always leading by example, showing that perseverance and integrity could build not just a business, but a legacy.
Jose is survived by his loving wife, Luellan Tejada, and devoted siblings: Rosa Tejada (Raul), Jesus Tejada (Noemi), Tony Tejada (Janie), Fidencio Tejada (Rosita), Pedro Tejada (Ruth), Milagro Tejada, Miriam Tejada (Alfonso), Franklin Tejada (Yasenia), Josethi Tejada, Saul Tejada (Zoila), Carlos Cisneros Mata (Marina), and Ricardo Cisneros Mata (Lita).
He was a devoted father that leaves to cherish his memory, faithful children: Nathaniel Brooks, Terrence Brooks, Ulman Tejada, Elizabeth Orellana, Angela Marie Tejada, Rosemary Tejada, Jose Luis Tejada, and Courtney Tejada, adoring grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends. His greatest joy in life came from spending time with his family that brought him tremendous happiness and pride, reminding him of the lives that he helped created. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bartolomé Tejada and Maria Angela Mata De Tejada, and four of his brothers: Isidro Tejada, Alfonso Tejada, Efrain Tejada, and Luis Tejada. Jose often mentioned his mother, "Mamalita," who wanted him to bring Luellan to El Salvador-a cherished dream of his. Although Jose and Luellan never had the chance to fulfill that dream, it remained dear to both.
One of the most beautiful chapters of Jose's life was the love he shared with his wife, Luellan Tejada, who became his "heart", "brown sugar," and "wife for life.". Their story began in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where fate brought them together at the Greyhound bus station. Though their love did not begin that day, destiny already had its hand on them. Jose would visit the Nickols Store each evening just to see her smile. He once even mistook her twin sister for her - a story that still brings laughter and warmth to the family. One evening, Luellan found him sitting in her mother's car, kindly persuading her mother to let him take her out. From that day forward, their love grew into a lifelong partnership and Jose built a special bond with his sister-in-law (Lucille Walker) and his mother-in-law (Ophelia Scott). He always made it a priority to stop by Opheila's home to check on her and ensure she was doing well.
Through every joy and hardship, Jose's love for Luellan never wavered. While affectionately calling her his "brown sugar," he clung to her with deep love. Despite becoming ill four years ago, beginning dialysis and experiencing dementia, one thing never changed: his heart always recognized Luellan, in rehab he would ask "Can you stay the night with me", a question that broke her heart whenever she had to leave because she was always by his side. "Don't leave me," he would say softly, and when she returned, his eyes would brighten as he whispered, "I was looking for you." Their love was a lifelong testimony of devotion and grace.
In a tender twist of God's timing, Jose passed away just one day after the birth of a new grandchild, Jose R. Macias, a reminder that even as he left this world new life and new blessings continued through the family, he built with so much love.
Jose lived passionately, loved fiercely, worked tirelessly and was above all a fighter who bravely battled his illness until God called him home. He was a man of quiet strength, deep humility, and boundless love. His legacy built on determination, humor, generosity and devotion will continue to live on through every person who had the blessing of knowing him. His memory will forever be carried in the hearts of those who loved him.
"Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever in our hearts."
Add to the End of Program: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." - 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT) To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jose, please visit our floral store.