Anna Sierra

Life’s Journey

Anna Sierra was born, Manuela Ortiz on September 1, 1935 to the Union of the late Deacon Geraldo Ortiz and Viterba Ortiz in Santurce, Puerto Rico.  Anna began her education in a beautiful country combined elementary and secondary school called Dr. Jose Celfo Barbosa. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in Puerto Rico.  In 1949, Anna came to Manhattan, New York, and continued her education.  She united in Holy Matrimony to the late Joseph Artemio Sierra on May 11, 1952 in New York City; their Union was blessed with four children.  Shortly after, she found herself as a single mother, raising four children with the help of GOD, her mother, and sister. She worked extremely hard and sometimes had to hold two or three jobs at once.

During the segregation period and after the 1954 Brown vs Board of Education decision, she protested and marched and through her and other mothers’ efforts, her children were the first to be bussed to an all-white school. While working two jobs, she got her GED in the late 60’s and enjoyed her favorite pastime – bowling - maintaining a perfect 300 bowling score. Upon completing her GED, she began working in a Beauty Salon/Clothing Store doing clothing alterations. While living in Brooklyn she started selling dinners & sandwiches to factory workers out of a commercial size kitchen.  After the house fires and having to start all over again, she then moved to Far Rockaway Queens and Cedarhurst Long Island.  Here she began perfecting her sewing skills to become a Tailor by Trade and worked for well renowned designers like Makel Fashions Inc., and Fisher Brothers.

When her Granddaughter Amelia was born, she moved to Hoboken in 1989 to care for her full time, while my daughter pursued her master then doctorate degree.  In Hoboken. she found her love for church, singing in the choir and the enjoyment of being able to share GOD’s Word and encouraging others.  When Amelia grew up and no longer needed a babysitter, Anna moved to Amsterdam, New York and found a “ New Church Home ” immediately as she continued to work as a Tailor and Ceramist.

When she came to visit family in Texas, she visited Resurrection and after the service she said,” Pastor Brown is truly anointed, and I want to come to church here every Sunday!”  When she went back to Amsterdam, New York she kept in touch with Gracie Douglas, praying on one accord together to get her 1800 miles back to Texas (I found out later it was her dream to live in Texas).  Once she arrived, she immediately hit the ground running.  She was involved in the S.A.L.T. ministry, homeless ministry where she served food to those under the bridge and provided them with clothes and a Word from GOD. She was glad to be able to help and translate, as she was fluent in both English and Spanish.  Also, she completed the three-and half-year Evangelism Process on May 2007. She loved all kinds of music, but her most favorite was Celia Cruz and Johnnie Mathis.  She loved cowboy shows:  Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans (HAPPY Trails), Rawhide, Walker Texas Rangers, and of course ALL John Wayne.  She loved: sewing, knitting, needlepoint, ceramics, going to church and cooking.  Before she became ill, when you came to visit, you would always find her cooking something and were guaranteed a delicious hot meal and always had a little extra to take home.

Anna Sierra was a charter member of Covenant Community Church; established September 2007.

Anna was preceded in Death by her Father Deacon Geraldo Ortiz.  Anna Leaves to Cherish her memory her mother - Viterba Ortiz still going strong at 103, New York, NY, Sisters Lucy Ortiz, Puerto Rico, Lydia Ortiz-Weiss, New York, NY, Daughters Dr. Anna Leonard,(Thomas), Blue Ash, OH, Minister Elizabeth Etheridge (James), Cibolo, TX, Betty Corrado (Daniel), Naples, FL, Dr. Mandy Ortiz – Riverside, CA, Son Junior Sierra, Gloversville, NY, Nephew Gerry Weiss (Erica), Erie, PA, Cousin Zoraída Esquili`n-Milian, San Antonio, Texas, Great Niece Nora Weiss, Erie, PA, 12 Grandchildren: 7 Grandsons Leslie Wayne & Jose Geraldo Nieves, New York, NY, Jay Etheridge – Cincinnati, OH, Jashime Etheridge, Cibolo, TX, Angel E. Pomelas, SW Florida, Anthony Etheridge, Cibolo, TX, Emmanuel Raye, Houston, TX, 5 Granddaughters, Tasha Etheridge, Houston, TX, TSgt Angela Etheridge, Travis AFB, CA, Christine Sierra, Jamaica Queens, NY, Amelia Leonard, Blue Ash, OH, McKenzie Martish. Broadalbin, NY, 6 Great Grandchildren: Great Grandson Mateo Smoak, Travis AFB, CA, 5 Great Granddaughters, Brionna Page, Travis AFB, CA, Isabella, Clara, and Ava Sierra Pomelas, SW Florida, Amína Maríe Etheridge, Houston, TX, Imaní Nícole Raye (1) – Houston, TX

Visitation will be held on Tuesday May 26, 2020 at Schertz Funeral Home from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  Funeral service will be held on Wednesday May 27, 2020 at Schertz Funeral Home at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

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