Tillie Enriquez

Tillie Enriquez, age 89, peacefully entered her Heavenly home on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Providence Hospital in Waco, Texas. She is now reunited with her Lord and Savior, along with the many family members and dear friends who went before her.

Born in Waelder, Texas, Tillie was the youngest of twelve children born to Pedro and Regina Enriquez. At the age of twelve, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior through the influence of the Baptist Goodwill Center, a mission serving her East Fort Worth neighborhood. She was deeply inspired by Dr. Alpha Melton, founder of the mission, and by the seminary students whose kindness, encouragement, and faith helped shape her life.

At a time when few Hispanic women pursued higher education, Tillie was determined to continue her schooling. She graduated from Paschal High School in Fort Worth in 1956 and carried with her a lifelong desire to share the love of Jesus with everyone she met.

Two scriptures beautifully reflected the life Tillie lived:

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, here am I; send me. — Isaiah 6:8

Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. — Matthew 25:40

Tillie devoted her life to caring for others. She first attended East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, Texas in 1961, though her education was often interrupted as she worked to support and care for family members. Her perseverance and determination eventually led her to enroll at California Baptist University in Riverside, California, where she earned her degree at the age of 53.

Following her graduation in 1990, Tillie taught at Riverside Christian School from 1990 to 2003, teaching seventh-grade World History and eighth-grade U.S. History. She was deeply loved not only by her students, but also by parents, faculty, and staff who admired her warmth, faith, and servant’s heart.

During her years in California, Tillie became an active member of The Salvation Army and proudly considered herself a “Salvationist.” Upon returning to Texas, she continued faithfully serving in Salvation Army ministries in Dallas, Kerrville, and Waco.

In 2018, because of progressing Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Tillie became a resident of St. Catherine Center Providence Village in Waco. Through the support of Friends for Life, she received loving and compassionate care in a place that became a true home to her.

Tillie was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Regina Enriquez, and all twelve of her siblings.

She is survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless treasured friends whose lives were touched by her unwavering faith, compassion, and gentle spirit.

Memorial donations may be made to: 

Friends for Life: 5000 Lakewood Drive Waco, TX 76708 or The Salvation Army: 500 S. 4th Street Waco, TX 76706