Editor’s note: This is the official obituary of Raquel Mora Martinez, musician, composer and sacred music scholar, most noted for the creation of The United Methodist Church’s first Spanish-language hymnal, “Mil Voces Para Celebrar.” It is republished from the website of Mission Parks Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries, San Antonio, Texas.
Our beloved mother, wife, and friend, Raquel Mora Martínez, entered into the eternal arms of her Savior on the afternoon of April 12, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 86 years old. Her vibrant smile, legacy of music, and endless compassion live on in all those who knew and loved her.
Raquel Martínez participates in the 1996 General Conference in Denver, Colorado, where the Spanish United Methodist Hymnal was officially presented, and she led the delegates in singing, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” (Photo courtesy of the Martínez family)
The daughter, sister, and wife of United Methodist pastors, Raquel’s faith was central to her life. She expressed that faith in many ways, most notably by devoting her life and career to sacred music. She was born on January 17, 1940, in the northern Mexico town of Allende, estado de Coahuila. Her father Josúe Mora was a United Methodist pastor, and her mother, Amada, was a dedicated pastor’s wife and churchgoer. Raquel’s passion for music appeared early in life, and by the age of eight she was playing the church organ at her family’s church in Saltillo. As a child, she told her mother she wanted to marry a pastor. And so, she did . . .
In 1957, Raquel enrolled at Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI) in El Paso, Texas. There, she was a choir pianist, and represented LPI at many local and national events. She had her first date with fellow student Joel Martinez on May 25, 1958.
They married on June 9, 1961, and began a shared life of service, ministering, pastoring, and lifting up the Gospel in word and song. They welcomed three children (Patricia in 1962, John in 1963, and Becky in 1969). Raquel graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in Music Education in 1975. She would go on to receive her Master of Sacred Music degree from Perkins School of Theology in 1989, and an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She is the recipient of the 1997 Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2010 Soli Deo Gloria Award, both from Perkins.
Her life’s work as a musician is reflected in her many accomplishments. She was the editor of the official Spanish language United Methodist Hymnal, Mil Voces Para Celebrar. She also contributed to the English language Hymnal, The Faith We Sing, Worship & Song, Chalice Hymnal, Libro de Liturgia y Cantico, and many others. She and Bishop Martinez were co-editors of Fiesta Cristiana, a bilingual book of worship resources. Earlier in her career, Raquel served as staff of the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries in the 1970s, and became a director in the 1980s. In 2024, she edited and produced Fiesta Jubilosa, a bilingual song book. In January 2026, she was welcomed as a Fellow of the Hymn Society in the U.S. and Canada for her contributions to music.
Both Raquel and Joel are grateful to the many people along their journey who have nurtured their faith, their marriage, and their servitude to the Risen Christ. There are too many to name, but each and every person – living and passed – are dear to our family.
Raquel’s heart was as big as the sky, and her empathy for the world knew no bounds. Often, after reading a newspaper story about someone in need, she would stop and pray on the spot. She entered hospice at home in early April after receiving a cancer diagnosis in March. Despite a rapid decline, her faith never wavered, and in her final days, she often said, “I choose the Hand of God.”
Raquel is survived by her beloved spouse of 65 years, retired Bishop Joel N. Martinez; and her children Patricia (Doug), John, and Becky (Eric).
Services will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at La Trinidad United Methodist Church, 300 San Fernando, San Antonio at 1 p.m., with a viewing beginning at noon. Graveside burial will take place on Wednesday, April 22 at San Geronimo Cemetery, 1620 E. Walnut St., Seguin at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider contributing to the important work of Lydia Patterson Institute, www.lpi-elpaso.org.
Rest in peace, Mamacita. Save a place for us.