Manuela Sotelo
95, Brawley
Manuela was born in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, to J ose Garcia and Armida Serrano. Manuela came to the United States of America in her late teens. M anuela met her husband for life, Luis Flores Sotelo, while she was working at a local Brawley eatery, Mike’s Place. Manuela and Luis were married on September 7, 1952 i n Yuma, Arizona. Together they raised four sons; L uis, George, Robert and Richard.
Manuela was very involved with her church, The First Mexican Baptist Church of B rawley. She began her religious servitude with First Mexican Baptist Church under the guidance of the late p astor Sylvester Acevedo. S he served her Lord as a Sunday school teacher and deaconess for many y ears. Manuela attended many women’s retreats and conventions, growing deeper in her faith. I n her later years, Manuela also helped at the Bread of Life Mission in Brawley and later Manuela hosted a weekly meeting at church she called ‘ the Ropa’. She made sure to always have coffee and donuts for attendees to enjoy while browsing clothing and sharing scriptures.
Manuela utilized her teaching talents as a teacher for the Child Evangelism F ellowship. While dedicating her time to t he Fellowship, she was able to share the Lord’s promise with children in the U.S. and Mexico. Manuela assisted the late c ouple, Felipe and Alice Ocampo, in their annual Child E vangelism booth at our valleys a nnual Imperial County Mid- winter fair. M anuela’s face would light up when she was sharing the gospel story with children and parents at the fair or passing out pamphlets. Her son’s George, Robert, and Richard, along with their families, where also called upon to assist with the booth.
Manuela was always ready with a kind word, scripture o r coffee for anyone who visited her. She was readily willing to help anyone who was down and out. Manuela had a special place in her heart for people crossing into the USA from Mexico illegally. She spent a majority of her adult life donating her time, money and energy helping out others with their varying needs. Manuela had a charitable heart and passed that sentiment down to her large family.
The Sotelos will forever miss the love, laughing, a nd all care their strong matriarch shared with them. We are comforted by the knowledge that she is now resting at peace with her King and passed loved ones.
Manuela was preceded in death by her father, Jose Garcia; mother, Armida Serrano; brothers, Enrique Morales and David Morales; husband, Luis Flores Sotelo and son, Luis Garcia Sotelo.
Manuela is survived by her sons and their wives; Mario and Marta Arvizu Garcia of Culiacan, Mexico, Yolanda Acevedo Sotelo of Garden Grove, George and Catalina Sotelo of Ca lexi co, Robert and Yolanda Sotelo of B rawley, Richard Sr. and Cynthia Sotelo of B rawley. Many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and great- great- grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Frye Chapel Mortuary in Brawley. T here will be a final viewing on January 13,2021 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Frye Chapel. Burial will follow at 1 0:30 a.m. at Riverview Cemetery in B rawley.