Herminia Victoria Jerez de Lima, or "Mama Mini", as most knew her, passed away on Friday the 20 ^th of September 2019 after 95 happy and healthy years. She passed in her sleep at the home of her son, where she felt most at peace. Her final weeks and days were spent surrounded by family and friends.

Herminia was born in Samayac, Mazatenango, Guatemala on Saturday the 5 ^th of April 1924 to Gerardo Jerez and Herminia Rivera de Jerez. She graduated from Academia Practica Comercial and went on to teach for the rest of her career. On Sunday the 1 ^st of April 1951 she married Enrique Augusto Lima in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Together they raised four sons, Enrique Alberto, Cesar Augusto, Carlos Enrique, and Gerardo Enrique. At the age of 26, she competed in the 1950 Olympic swimming event where she won the silver medal for her group. At the age of 44, she was recognized for her career in education with two national awards in the field of writing. Later in her career, she made recommendations for the creation of national competitions in education, which were accepted and implemented by the National Board of Education of Guatemala. Due to her commitment to education and to the development of her students, many were able to accomplish their personal goals in both academics and life. Throughout her life she also supported the Asociación Nacional de Muchachas Guías de Guatemala (ANMG; National Girl Scouts Guide Association of Guatemala), benefitting the development of young women across the country. As a testament to her belief in physical fitness, at the age of 50 she successfully climbed Volcán de Agua with all four of her sons. Finally, after living in Guatemala for 75 years, Herminia and Enrique moved to the United States of America in order to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Mama Mini had such a passionate optimism for life; her persona was an enrichment to the lives of those who knew her. Aside from happiness, the word most closely associated with Herminia would be coffee. Having been born on her grandfather's coffee plantation, the smell of coffee was something she held dear to her heart. She would constantly say, 'if you are feeling well, have coffee; if you are feeling cold, have coffee; if you are feeling sad, have coffee…', and so on. Coffee was essential for any state of body or mind. Coffee, along with being a vegetarian for her entire life, brought her the health she enjoyed for 95 years (plus the 20/20 vision she maintained throughout her entire life). Herminia was born into a home of many strong beliefs. Among these were faith, civic principles, and education. The education of mind, body, and spirit for the betterment of one's life was particularly important. Her father was a writer of poetry and life principles, which inspired her to follow writings focused on positivity. Her daily habit of reading continues to serve as an inspiration to those who knew her best. The important role her father played in her life inspired her to follow many key principles – among these were the importance of temperament, composure, character development, inner peace and grace. She was known by all as a genuinely happy and good-spirited person; many would say she never had a day of anger in her life. Ultimately, Mama Mini can best be known for the love she held for her family. She had such a belief in family and the strength that a family's love can provide.

Herminia was preceded in death by her father, Gerardo Jerez, her mother, Herminia Rivera de Jerez, her five brothers and sisters, and her husband, Enrique Augusto Lima. She is survived by her four sons, Enrique Alberto, Cesar Augusto, Carlos Enrique, and Gerardo Enrique; her twelve grandchildren; and her thirteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews residing in Guatemala today.

Herminia's funeral service will take place on Friday the 27 ^th of September 2019. The Funeral Mass will take place at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church on Cypresswood Drive at 2:00 pm, followed by a visitation at Klein Funeral Home on Champion Forest Drive at 4:00 pm, and ending in a recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send any contributions to the American Heart Association and/or Texas Children's Hospital.