Obituaries

Belinda Elia CernaBelinda Elia Cerna entered her heavenly home, after a short illness, on June 5, 2023 at the age of 78. Funeral services were 11 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Blair-Stubbs funeral home with Bro. Bob Kersten officiating. There was a visitation prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Interment is in the Waco Memorial Park in Waco, Texas.Belinda was born on December 14, 1944 in Monterrey, Mexico to Roberto and Elia Cerna. Born with a heart condition, she had a stroke when she was 14 months old. She has fond memories of a childhood filled with large family gatherings, visiting with her grandparents, and playing with her cousins. Robert and Elia found a pioneering heart surgeon and moved to Dallas when Belinda was six. She had successful surgery and attended a special school where she was an excellent student and made a lifelong friend. After graduation, her parents thought she could continue her education at the Mexia State School. She had a second corrective heart surgery at 18 years of age.As a member of the M.S.S. Sunshine Singers, Belinda and her friends traveled by bus, performing not only throughout Texas, but also going on summer tours throughout the Southern U.S. They met President Carter when they sang in Washington D.C. Belinda had wonderful memories of her parents following the bus on two trips to Monterrey, Mexico.Belinda was in the first group of ladies to move to a group home in Mexia. She graduated to having her own little house next door to a group home, until mobility concerns had her back in supervised housing. Belinda had several jobs, including employment at CenTex ARC, Goodwill, and as a housekeeper for Blackland SOCS. Her retirement activity was visiting her folks at Mexia LTC. She wanted to move there, and her dad finally agreed after she broke her hip and went there for rehab. Belinda was in her element in the nursing home, making friends with residents, their families, and staff members. She volunteered to help others and enjoyed numerous activities and parties.She had an amazing memory and never met a stranger. Belinda was a special person, not because of her disabilities, but because of her abilities. She had a pure love for the Lord and we rejoice that she has gained her heavenly body. Belinda was preceded in death by her loving parents Roberto and Elia (Garcia) Cerna and her best friend from school, Dotsy Savage, as well as many relatives in Monterrey. She is survived by cousins, Abraham and Thelma Silos of Converse, Jimmy and Lupita Garcia of Devine, Alfonso Rubio and Marisa Cerna, of Monterrey, Mexico; their children, grandchildren and other relatives in Monterrey. Belinda is also survived by her longtime friend and guardian Karin Henry.Belinda was proud to volunteer for Bi-Stone Rescue. She became attached to the puppies that she loved on and was their “foster mom” until they were adopted. Some tears were shed, but another puppy was soon benefiting from her attention. Memorials may be made to Bi-Stone Rescue, P.O. Box 147, Mexia, Texas, 76667. Please visit www.blairstubbs. com to leave the family a message of condolence.

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