Manuela "Mela" Zavala Cumpian

Manuela “Mela” (Zavala) Cumpian, 77, of Beeville, Texas passed away March 12, 2025, in a Corpus Christi hospital lovingly surrounded by her family.

Mela was born June 4, 1947, in Beeville to Juan and Maximina (Baldillez) Zavala. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a dedicated cook. Her passion for cooking provided comfort to her family and friends, which brought her much joy. In addition to enjoying spending time with her family after retirement, she also had fun playing slot machines where she found excitement and had great times meeting new friends.

Mela was preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Maximina Zavala; her husband, Bentura "Ben" Cumpian, who surely welcomed her with open arms; as well as her brothers, Andres Valencia and Sotero Zavala; her sister, Porfiria Martinez; grandson, Nathan James Martinez; and two sons-in-law, Chris Rodriguez and Eric Garcia.

Mela was a devoted mother to her four sons, Jesse (Clara) Martinez, Jr., John Henry (Gina) Martinez, Jason Martinez and James (Dorothy) Martinez as well as to her three beloved daughters, Anna Marie Rodriguez, Janie Elizabeth Martinez and Sierra Garcia. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren will miss the presence of their loving “Momo.” She also leaves behind an abundance of nieces and nephews and other family members and a special friend, Nancy Lara.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Angelus Funeral Home with the funeral service to commence at 2 o'clock. Deacon Roger Rosenbaum will officiate. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jesse Martinez Jr., John Henry Martinez, Jason Martinez, James Martinez, Christobal Rodriguez Jr. and Amberosia Aleman.

Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.