Ninfa de Leon King

Ninfa de Leon King, beloved mother, devoted teacher, faithful servant of the Lord, and friend to all she met, went to be with Jesus at the age of 91. She was born in Brownsville, TX the daughter of Baltazar de Leon and Guadalupe Vasquez. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Texas Southmost College in Brownsville, TX, and later obtained her master's degree in the same field from Texas A&I Kingsville.

She taught for 10 years in Brownsville, TX, 22 years with CCISD and after retirement was a substitute teacher with CCISD for 8 years. In her spare time she taught ESL, (10 years) to Spanish speaking people. She received many accolades in her many years of teaching.

For decades, Ninfa poured her heart into education. A dedicated and compassionate teacher, she went far beyond lesson plans and classrooms. She saw potential where others saw struggle. She championed the underprivileged, advocating not only for her students but for their families, believing deeply that success was possible for every child. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she uplifted, encouraged, and believed in.

Her faith was the foundation of her life, as evidenced by her love for the Lord and active church membership at St. Pius Catholic Church and St. Peter's Catholic Church. She reflected God's love in the way she cared for others. Her kindness was genuine, her wit quick, and her heart always open. She had a remarkable gift for friendship - everywhere she went, she found people, and people found joy in her.

Ninfa was also a woman of culture and curiosity. A world traveler and avid reader, she often said that books carried her on adventures long before airplanes ever did. She embraced life fully - new places, new stories, new conversations. She believed in growth, in learning, and in seeing the beauty of the world. Every spring break she would travel with her group to places in South America, Central America, Europe, Africa and many more.

She had a special flair for fashion and took great delight in helping others present themselves well. She was known as a fashion guru among family and friends, always ready with advice on dressing appropriately for every occasion - because she believed how you carried yourself mattered.

In her final years, Ninfa faced the cruel reality of dementia. The disease brought deep and unpredictable emotional waves. Some days she recognized her loved ones; other days she offered only a warm smile, content with company and the simple joy of shared snacks. Those who loved her fiercely hated the disease that confined her, yet remained grateful for every smile, every moment of connection. All the staff at the community where she resided would tell people she was their grandma and they all doted on her.

She was married for 38 years to her beloved husband, Robert. Later, she was blessed with 25 years of companionship with another wonderful companion, Robert Garcia, who brought joy and friendship to her later years.

Though her passing is bittersweet, we rejoice in knowing she has been released from the burdens of illness and restored in the presence of her Savior. Ninfa lived a blessed life - one of purpose, faith, adventure, laughter, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, elegance, and unwavering belief in others.

She had 4 children, Robert King, Jr.(deceased 2014), Elizabeth Ferriby -Canyon Lake, TX, William King - Austin, TX and Richard (Amy) King – West Columbia, TX. She doted on her grandchildren Stephanie Campbell - New Braunfels, Crystal Campbell - Canyon Lake, Savannah King – Kerrville, TX, Caleb King -West Columbia and great grandson Riley Cook -Canyon Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert (1994), her son Robert Jr. (2012),Robert Garcia (2016). She is survived by one sister Guadalupe Garcia, and preceded in death by her sisters Maria Castaneda, Graciela Gonzalez, Rosario Hernandez and two brothers Joe J. de Leon and Baltazar de Leon Jr.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Monday, March 9th at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel... Visiting hours will be from 11-1, Service 1-2 followed by burial at 2:30 at Seaside Memorial Park, 4357 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412.