Suzanne Martinez

Suzanne Martinez, age 57 of Abilene, Texas, passed away Saturday, January 16, 2021, peacefully with family by her side.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 10 AM at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. A visitation will be held Monday, January 25 from 6 to 8 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel.

Suzanne was born on January 27, 1963 in Lebanon, Indiana to Manuel and Maria Rangel Valdez. She married the love of her life Elias Lee Martinez Jr. on March 29, 1984 in Roscoe, Texas. Suzanne began her journey as a migrant farm worker and then worked for Sweetwater ISD as a custodian for many years. The family moved to Abilene, Tx. in 1993 where she pursued a career as a hairstylist. Suzanne learned her craft by using her family as guinea pigs and the results sometimes produced laughter. She began a successful career as a hairdresser at JCPenney for 18 years and at the time of her passing was self-employed at Hair Craze Salon. Her clients were like family and she took pride in making them feel their best while enjoying their conversations. Suzanne was a sports fanatic and loved her Dallas Cowboys. She loved watching her kids and grandkids represent the Cooper Cougars with pride. She loved traveling, spending time with family, and attending her grandchildren’s activities. Suzanne touched many lives, and had a genuine love for life. She was a dedicated Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, dog mom, and friend.

Suzanne is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Elias Lee Martinez Jr., three daughters; Victoria & husband Rolando Serrano, Martha & husband Josue Flores Jr., and Kristin Martinez all of Abilene,Tx. and one son; Elias Martinez III of Sweetwater Tx.,and her loyal companion Tucker (Tuck tuck). grandchildren; Jeremiah (Miah) Flores, Delanee (Nanee Boo) Martinez, Rolando (Roli) Serrano Jr., Aleeana (Alee Bear) Flores, Jesus (J) Valenzuela Jr., Novalee (Novee) Serrano, Jazlyn (Jazzy Jazz) Valenzuela, Josiah (Siah) Flores, Amilya (Milee) Martinez, Jaxsen (Jax Jax) Valenzuela, Jaiven (Jave) Flores, Zaliya (Zz) Navarez. Siblings; Delores (Mary) & husband Daniel Ramos of Roby Tx., Manuel & wife Susie Valdez of Sweetwater Tx., Diana & husband Richard Flores of Lubbock Tx., Sister in law Margie Valdez of Amarillo Tx., Daniel Valdez of Lubbock Tx., Gracie Valdez of Sweetwater Tx., sister in law Terri Valdez of Sweetwater Tx., Sandra Valdez of Midland Tx., Angie & husband Isidro Ramirez Jr. of Sweetwater Tx., Jaime & wife Diana Valdez of Sweetwater Tx., and Claudia & husband Anthony Knox of Sweetwater Tx., and her loyal companion. She was preceded in death by her beloved father Manuel Valdez Sr., three brothers; Armando Valdez Sr., David Valdez, and Samuel Valdez Sr.

Pallbearers will be Elias Lee Martinez Jr., Elias Martinez III, Rolando Serrano, Jeremiah Flores, Rolando Serrano Jr., Jesus Valenzuela Jr., Isidro Ramirez Jr., and Daniel Valdez.