Tributes

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dominga (Minga) F. James on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Born on August 4, 1932, to Felix Charles Felan and Genoveva Hernandez Felan, Dominga lived a life full of love and dedication. Dominga bravely battled dementia for over a decade, but it was a sudden medical emergency that ultimately took her from us. Despite her health challenges, she remained a beacon of strength and grace. She was predeceased by her parents Felix and Genoveva Felan, brother Rudolpho (Rudy) Felan, daughter-in-law Lynn James, her beloved husband Wayman E. James, and her daughter Rosanne Helmick. She is survived by her loving children: Beverly J. Black (Coconut Black), Sheila M. Starr (Ronnie Starr), Mitchell W. James, and Shawnee L. James-Cervantes (Mike Arciniega). Dominga was also blessed with fourteen grandchildren: Billy Carl Helmick Jr. (wife Laura), Wayman Lynn Helmick (wife Saprina), Lindsey Helmick-Zamora (husband Sonny) and (father Billy Helmick), Christina Kiolbassa-Gamez (husband J.C.), Nathan Kiolbassa (wife Jennifer), and Stephen Kiolbassa (deceased father Patrick Kiolbassa), Mandy Mann-Olvera (husband Jules) (deceased father Rodney Mann), Terry and Amy Spears (father Thomas Spears), Christopher Spring (wife Lynn) and Nicholas James, Jenavie Musgray (husband Jeffrey) and (father Fernando Aguilar III), Ciara and Gabriella Cervantes (father Raul R. Cervantes), twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren. For the past three years, her cousin and caregiver, Estela Centifanti, was her daily companion, providing unwavering support and love until the day she passed. We are forever grateful! Dominga met the love of her life, Wayman, in Del Rio, Texas, in early December 1955, and they married two weeks later, on December 31, 1955. Despite having only a junior high education, Dominga was a hard worker. Growing up in a time when picking apples, cherries, and cotton took precedence over education. Her dream of becoming a nurse would be just that, a dream. She selflessly put that dream aside to become a military wife and full-time mom and she later proudly referred to herself as a “Domestic Engineer.” Dominga’s children meant the world to her, and she was never shy about expressing her love for them. And boy, let me tell you, she would fight a bear if anyone messed with her family. She was truly a strong and determined woman. Although she had a challenging childhood, that did not stop her from being a selfless and compassionate human. She would give her last dime to help someone in need! She had a huge heart, often offering food, shelter, and assistance to strangers and animals alike. Her love for gardening, cooking, and hosting gatherings was well-known, and she enjoyed throwing big backyard barbecues with live music performed by her husband, Wayman, and her sons-in-law! Her favorite pastime was playing Bingo! Luck was always on her side, and she would often win the big cash prize. With that cash prize, she and Wayman would head to the casino to play the slots, where she would often win with her magic touch! She was also an avid fisherman, loving spontaneous trips to Calaveras or Braunig Lake with Wayman, where they would fish and later cook their catch. A God-fearing woman, she cherished attending her favorite church, Our Lady of Czestochowa, where she made weekly visits to pray for her loved ones and friends. Dominga “Minga” will be missed tremendously, but it gives the family peace knowing that she has been reunited with the love of her life! A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 11:30 AM at Dellcrest Funeral Home 2023 W.W. White Road, San Antonio, TX 78222. A funeral will begin at 12:30 PM followed by a procession and interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX. Celebration of Life to follow at the home of Shawnee Cervantes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Czestochowa 138 Beethoven, San Antonio, Texas 78210. (210) 337-8179

Tributes

Dominga Felan James

August 4, 1932 - October 8, 2024