Danielle Suzanne Barrera

Danielle Suzanne Barrera passed on Thursday, July 9, 2026 holding her husband’s hand, her face cradled by her daughter and with her sister’s hand on her arm.

Following a cardiac arrest, loved ones gathered around and filled the room for her last breaths. She was 70.

Born in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, Danielle lived a full life growing and nurturing a career, a family and home. After graduating from high school, she earned her Business degree from South Western State and used her education to earn a role working for the State Director's office of Oklahoma Department of Vocational Technical Education. It was here she caught the eye of the love of her life, Mike Barrera. Drawn to her beauty and strength, their courtship developed as Mike completed his graduate degree.

At his graduation celebration, Mike asked Danielle to marry, and weeks later they jumped in her sports car and traveled to South Texas. They were married under the Anacua tree at the Barrera’s family ranch, Los Brazailes, near Premont, Texas and she lived happily ever after.

Once wedded, the couple traveled to Magnolia, Arkansas and the shared love of their life was born – daughter Amalia "Mali" Irene. Danielle was an amazing Mother who put her whole heart into her child. This love was witnessed and known by all who knew her and was only matched when her dreams came true and her grandson, Walker Tyler Starr, was born.

When Danielle and Mike moved from Arkansas to South Texas, her career flourished and she eventually became the Senior Purchasing Officer at South Texas Community College in McAllen where she worked for over 25 years before retiring in 2019.

An avid reader, Danielle loved spending time with her family and cats, enjoying a mimosa while watching wildlife and the sunset from the porch at Los Olmos Creek Ranch. Those who were lucky enough to be invited to her ranch home (as well as the many pets that showed up, uninvited) were always made to feel like family. To be loved by her was to know the definition of the term "fierce love". Loyal and strong, Danielle defended and supported her family powerfully and losing her will forever impact those she loved.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel E. Taylor and Dorothy Irene Taylor; and nephew, Rodney Matthew Bridges.

Mrs. Barrera is survived by her husband, Mike Barrera; daughter, Amalia Starr (Jake Starr), grandson, Walker Starr; sister, Penny Thompson; brother, Daniel Taylor Jr.; and loving nieces and nephews.

Cremation will take place at Memorial Cremation Center in Edinburg.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.