Naomi Virginia Dominguez

Naomi Virginia Dominguez died of cancer at age 75 on June 9, 2011. She had a compassionate view of humanity and understood, as she once said, “We’re all human beings, and we’re all changed by things in our lives.” Born on March 14, 1936, Naomi grew up on a farm in Twin Bridges, Missouri, where she was one of nine children. Though she only attended school until the eighth grade and spent the majority of her time working on the family farm, Naomi possessed an inherent curiosity about the world that compelled her to explore it. At seventeen, Naomi’s desire to see life beyond Twin Bridges led her to Kansas City, Missouri, where she found work and independence. At an NCO club at the Olathe Naval Air Station in Olathe, Kansas, a friend introduced Naomi to the love of her life, Antonio Dominguez. When they met, they danced to the song “Kansas City” and started a dance that would last the rest of their lives. The couple married on September 8, 1959, despite an atmosphere of deep racial prejudice. Because Antonio served in the U.S. Air Force, he and Naomi traveled and lived all over the world during their time together. They raised their three children, Perry Jon, Lisa, and Mark, and also helped many family members, friends, and strangers along the way. After living in Austin, Texas, for a number of years, Antonio and Naomi finally settled in Bastrop, Texas and enjoyed family and friends until the end. Naomi did not fear death because she believed that she had lived the best life that she possibly could and didn’t regret it. When asked what she would most like people to know about her when she was gone, Naomi replied, “that I simply did my best.” She explained that she tried to be the best mother, daughter, sister, wife, and friend that she could. “If that wasn’t good enough in the end, then, oh well. But I did the best that I could.” Those that knew her know that she did, too. Naomi was a strong woman who faced life with courage, generosity, and a sense of humor, even when met with severe hardships. Her faith in God and people and beauty allowed her to weather many storms. She is preceded in death by parents, Eldon and Pansy; husband, Antonio; brother, Carl; son, Perry Jon; and daughter-in-law, Maria. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Rick St. Cin; son, Mark; grandchildren, Velma, Perry Jon II, Delilah, Victoria, Daniella, and Hannah; great-grandchildren, Coulton and Mark; siblings, Rosemaud, Averill, Billy, Gladys, Lena, Violet, and Larry; and daughter-in-law, Tina Mallory. Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14, at Providence Funeral Home in Bastrop, Texas.