Maricela Valdes Rodriguez was called to God's Presence on November 26, 2019. There, she was welcomed with open arms by the Heavenly Father, her father, Elias Valdez Salazar, her mother, Hermelinda Perez Silva, her adopted daughter Belkis, and many beloved friends and family. We rejoice for Maricela's journey home, though we will miss her dearly.

Maricela was born December 14, 1964 in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Growing up she enjoyed playing volleyball and going to fairs. She attended Technical Commercial Institute in Monterrey, where she studied to be a Bilingual Administrator. Maricela loved her studies as they allowed her to use her communication skills. She also enjoyed her private time, whether at home or out on the town.

Maricela travelled to the United States for the first time in 1988, and lived for a time in Texas and Florida, before finding her home in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was self-employed and had a passion for volunteering at Shriners Hospitals for Children, where she frequently held church services for Spanish-speaking youth. Maricela also loved to worship God and always looked forward to services. She had a large church family from all the moments at Iglesia Vision de Dios, Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer, Oakmont Church of God, and ultimately her home church, Life United.

Maricela loved to cook and feed others, and was always happy to serve. Anyone who spent time with her enjoyed the blessings of her meals and company. Maricela is famous for her cooking, especially her tamales and charro beans. Maricela had a unique sense of humor, finding joy in the little things. She loved music and loved to have fun.

Maricela is survived, and dearly missed, by her sons Diego Alberto Carrizales and Joel Valdes Rodriguez; her siblings Jose Luis Valdez, Maria Lopez, Blanca De Alejandro, Hermelinda Mancha, Jesus Elias Valdez, Jorge Luis Valdez, Daniel Valdez, Hilda Martha Valdez, Aide Marlen Virues, their spouses; granddaughter Lucinda Annette Carrizales; and many more nieces and nephews.

A celebration honoring the life of Maricela Rodriguez will be held 2:30 PM Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Oakmont Church of God 5925 W 70th St, Shreveport, LA 71129

Memorial donations may be made to the GoFundMe account in honor of Maricela Rodriguez and support for Joel and/or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at bcrf.org .

GoFundMe Link - http://gf.me/u/w2xx7h

Momma will be sadly missed, joyfully remembered, and gratefully given to God.