Rev. Marilanda V. Torres

Rev. Marilanda V. Torres, 63, passed away peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 17, 2022. She was at her home, surrounded by family and friends. Marilanda was born on August 5, 1959 to Marcos and Adela Verdin in Weslaco, Texas. Marilanda grew up in Weslaco and graduated from Weslaco High School. Marilanda was always the “life of the party” and had a commanding presence. Marilanda used this gift during her teenage years to spend time “partying, drinking and being mischievous”. However, God had big plans for Marilanda’s life on Earth. When Marilanda was a senior in high school, she became a Christian, and God transformed her life. From that day forward, Marilanda dedicated her life to Christ.

Marilanda went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from the Assemblies of God University. She met her husband and soulmate, Joefrank Torres, at church. They were soon married and had one daughter, Jo Rae.

Marilanda was a servant of Christ and believed in working as much as God’s strength allowed her to spread the word, which was extensive. She was a local Sunday School teacher as a young adult. Marilanda served on the Valley District’s Youth United for Christ Board for many years and eventually became Vice President and President. She also served on the National Women’s Ministry Board as secretary, vice president, and ultimately, President. In addition, Marilanda served as Executive Board Treasurer of the UPLCII (United Pentecostal Local Church International Incorporated).

In August of 1994, Marilanda became the Pastor of Samaria Church in Santa Rosa, Tx. Where she served as pastor for the rest of her life.

Marilanda also loved sports, and Friday Night Lights cheering for the Weslaco Panthers was a tradition. She could watch all sports, tennis, baseball, basketball, and football. Some of her favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, and the Boston Red Sox.

Marilanda enjoyed traveling and could do so through her ministry, enjoying God’s creation and preaching to large crowds. In addition, she enjoyed a day at the beach with family and friends.

Marilanda’s servant heart was apparent throughout her life, and her cooking was no exception. Her King Ranch Chicken casserole recipe was infamous, and her menudo, chicken salad and “green stuff” were sure to warm any heart. Marilanda never met a stranger and was still the “life of the party” with her witty humor, charisma, and genuine compassion.

Marilanda is preceded in death by her parents, Marcos and Adela Verdin.

She is survived by her loving husband of thirty years, Joefrank Torres, daughter, Jo Rae Torres, sisters, Maricela Garza (Sem), Maria Teresa Castellano (Alfredo), Marena Thelma Garza (Elias), brother, Marcos Verdin Jr., extended family, Sylva Orta, Eli Orta Jr. (Diana), Cynthia Orta, Elizabeth Ceballos (Joey), grandchildren, Julissa and Jazmin Garza, numerous nephews, nieces, godchildren and family in Christ.

The visitation will be Friday, September 23, 2022, from 2-9 pm, with a celebration of life service at 7 pm, at McCaleb Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating Marilanda’s life will continue Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 10 am, at Iglesia Cristiana Bethel, followed by burial at Sacred Park Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Rev. Rebeca Garza.

Serving as pallbearers will be Samuel Garza, Ruben Garza, Benjamin Castellano, Kenneth Torres, Caleb Orta, and Joey Ceballos. Honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Garza, Jose G. (Nuno) and David Sanchez, Louie and Ethan Orta, Eli Ceballos, David Lee Garza, and the Samaria Royal Rangers Outpost 43.

The Torres family would like to give Joseph Silguero and Amable Home Care Hospice a very special thank you. You quickly became part of our family. We are forever grateful for the love and care you gave our Marilanda. Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.