ERNESTO "ERNIE" J.M. VANCE

It is with profound sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved and only son, Ernesto "Ernie" Mtz Vance, on
December 18, 2024, at the age of 20. Ernie was born on July 9, 2004, in Laredo, Texas. He accomplished so many
achievements in this short period of time. From an early age, he was always a beautiful kid with a smile that could light up any room. He was always full of energy and ready to go at any moment. His way of being and laughter always had everyone laughing and smiling with him. He always put his sisters first in anything he did and would take care of them with so much love and joy. They would look forward to spending time with him, whether going to the movies, getting snacks at the store, washing his car with him, playing video games, or just simply talking at home and spending time with each other. Ernie was always an enthusiast for cars and sports. At an early age, he started to play t-ball and
eventually played baseball while he was in elementary school. He found his passion in running and joined track, cross country, and soccer. He won many medals and trophies and always participated in school and outside activities. Once he got into middle school, he continued in track but found a greater passion in a sport he loved, which was football. He was an amazing athlete and a tremendous player when it came to the field and playing the sport he loved. He continued this incredible athletic journey into
high school, where so much practice and dedication in all his sports paid off. He made the football team at United High School, which he was so proud to accomplish and be a part of this team. Following that, he also made the track team and won his 1st place medal against all high schools to be the fastest runner in Laredo for his age group. His dedication and unwillingness to fail always stood out in his character
of being who he was and always doing your best no matter how hard the challenge was. Giving up was never in his vocabulary, he would say. Quitting was never an option when it came to Ernie. Besides weightlifting every day, 24/7, in his off-seasons, he also found time to join boxing. He did very well in this sport, but his passion was football and track, so when the season started, he returned to doing what he did best. Play his favorite sport and have fun doing it. A tragic accident happened during the winter freeze storm where, unfortunately, he was ejected from the vehicle in a rollover accident due to black ice on the road. This caused Ernie tremendous injuries. He became paralyzed from the waist down and lost his ability to play sports again. Even though he battled through this every day, he always managed to keep his head high and smiled at everyone who needed a laugh or someone to talk to. He helped so many people in so many ways who reached out to him that were going through the same situation as he was, being paralyzed and in a wheelchair; he would make step-by-step videos for them so they could cope and deal with this awful obstacle he would face every day. Ernie never quit and decided that through everything, he would walk again, so he put his emotions aside and started therapy and exercising at home to be able to stand and receive his diploma in high school. Through all the hard work, tears, and pain, he stood up on the day of graduation and took his diploma with a standing ovation from all his peers and families attending all the graduates. It was one of the most proudest moments in his life to be able to achieve this honor. After high school, he decided to focus on himself and therapies to give him the best chance to walk again. Even though he couldn't walk, he still knew he had to continue his life, so he started working at Concentrix as a customer service agent. Another one of the hobbies that he loved was working on his car with his mom, dad, and close friends. After late nights from work, he never missed gaming with his cousins or friends. He had a real talent for his gaming skills. It was unreal to see him play and do so well. It made him very happy to be distracted in this way and be speaking to his family or peers in his chat groups while gaming. He continued to grow his peers and social influence due to everyone knew they could trust him at any given moment and also knew he would always be there for any help they might need. His smile, personality, and conversations were always interesting to say the least, and his jokes and sense of humor were one of a kind. For those who got the chance to meet him, know you met a warrior, a champion, a friend, a brother, and the greatest son any mother or father can have. Ernie was one of the most genuine people with a heart of gold.The memories he left will never be forgotten, and we will treasure every hug, every smile, every kind word, or sense of humor he gave us. Ernie's legacy will continue to live through us all. His impact and everlasting love he gave us will always be treasured. We love you to infinity, mijo. Fly high, and may the lord have you in his kingdom, running and fulfilling all the life you had ahead of you. It will never be goodbye, but till we meet again. Rip Ernie, I love you forever and always papi,
MOM & DAD

He is survived by his loving parents, Dad & Mom -Ronald & Clementina Vance- his sisters, Jazlyne G Vance, Kaylyne A Vance, & Madalyne F Vance.
His grandparents- Roberto & Blanca Estella Rodriguez, Oscar & Diana Rodriguez, Ronald & Idalia Vance
Great grandmothers- Maria DeJesus Gomez Vance & Guadalupe Flores
Also left to cherish his memories are numerous aunts, uncles, countless cousins, and many friends.

Our beloved Ernesto Javier Martinez Jr tragically left us on 12-18-24. Loved and missed by father
Ernesto Martinez brothers Javier ,Kevin, and Ryan.
Grandma, Irma Flores, uncle/ aunt, Jose Luis Martinez, Amado Martinez, Mayra Martinez and Robert & Elizabeth Castaneda, cousins Audrey Darlene, Chelsea, Ethan Castaneda
Grandparents Amadado "Chepe" Martinez & Yolanda Vasquez
Ernie's passion for being willing to walk again touched all who knew him.

"Courage"
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff comfort me.
psalm 23:4 NIRV

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a Vigil of the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m. at the Hernandez-Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels. Funeral services will begin departing the funeral home chapel at 8:30 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2024. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Committal services and interment will
follow at the City Laredo Cemetery -Heros Hall

PALLBEARERS WERE: Ronald Vance Jr., Ernesto Martinez, Oscar Rodriguez, Roberto Rodriguez, Hector Villarreal, Jesus Peche, Pablo Peche and Ismael Esparza.

HONORARY PALLBEARERS WERE: Victor Alvarado, Ricardo Barrera, R.J. Jalomo, Angel Hernandez, Ronald Vance Sr., Joe Martinez, Robert Castaneda and Amado Martinez.