Carmen Perez Gomez Obituary (1928 - 2023)

Our beloved Carmen Perez Gomez, 95, of Round Rock, Texas was called home, on Saturday November 18, 2023. She was surrounded by her children in her home where she felt most comfort and peace. Carmen was born in Bastrop, Texas to Blas and Sarah Perez on January 28, 1928. She and her siblings were surrounded by music in their home, at fiestas and local dances. She was taught to sing by her parents at an early age and at age 18 she and her brothers started a band, where Carmen was the lead singer, known as "Carmelita Perez, La Voz de Oro". Between 1947-1955, she sang at many events, venues and towns, including Round Rock, Taylor, Pflugerville, Houston, San Antonio, Bastrop, the Sky line Club in Austin and much more. She moved her life into raising her children, but continued to include music in her life by teaching other family members to sing and about life as a musician. Carmen's love for food, cooking and events, took her to working in the food industry. This included Mrs. Bairds bakery, Austin School district cafeteria, University of Texas at Austin cafeteria as a cook and cafeteria worker. This experience led her to start her own business where she began to sell Mexican food from her own truck. Selling to many industries and local businesses who would look for mom's "burrito" truck for their daily meals. She then opened up her own Mexican restaurant "Carmen's Burrito Express" in Ft. Worth Texas, where she continued for several years before retiring and moving back to Round Rock. Even after retiring from the restaurant, she continued catering services for special events and patrons that she knew over the years. Carmen was a true entrepreneur, always wanting to provide a service and striving to make things happen. At the same time being a wife, mother, and raising 6 children. Working around her children's schedules so she could be there for them. Carmen enjoyed listening to many genres of music, dancing to traditional Tejano music, she loved shopping for nice shoes, purses and colorful outfits, and making people smile with her food, sense of humor and conversation. Carmen is preceded in death by her loving husband, of 66 beautiful years, Jesse Pena Gomez; parents, Blas Perez and Sara Rangel Perez; son, Jimmy P. Gomez; and siblings, Ruben Perez and his wife Lucy, and Ernest Perez and his wife Gloria. Carmen is survived by her children, Daniel P. Gomez, Ben P. Gomez (Bertha), Melinda Enriquez (Leo), Melissa Jones (Charlie), and Jeanna P. Gomez. Daughter in-law Maria Rodriguez Gomez, 21 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren; as well as numerous loving family members and friends. Visitation will be held at Austin Peel and Son Funeral Home, 607 E. Anderson Ln. Austin, Texas 78752 on Thursday November 30, 2023 from 4:00pm-7:00pm, with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 5:30pm. Flowers can be sent to Austin Peel and Son Funeral Home. Mass of Catholic Burial service will be held at St. Williams Catholic Church, 620 Round Rock West Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681 on Friday December 1, 2023 at 10am. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Dr. Austin, TX 78731. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Michael Grad and his office for taking such good care of mom over the years. Advanced Home Health Care, specifically Marvin, Jason, and Justin for always making mom feel safe. Silverado Hospice Care, specifically Jim for all his compassion for mom. Rhonda Session and Stephanie Dolford for providing in home care for mom, so she could enjoy being in her home and around family. We remember our mom's love and passion for music, her love of food and celebration, and her dedication to always making sure we as her children were cared for and successful in every avenue of our lives. We love you, miss you and you will forever be in our hearts.