Soveida Harlin
Brethren, today we gather in both sorrow and celebration to honor the homegoing of a beloved child of God, Soveida Harlin, known affectionately as Sophie to her friends and family. Born on Feb. 7, 1944 in the warm and welcoming town of Sinton, Texas, Soveida was a beacon of love and gentleness throughout her blessed 80 years of life. On Aug. 15, 2024 in the peaceful town of Denison, Texas, the Lord called our dear Soveida home, and she departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy of love and selflessness.
Soveida was the cherished wife of John Edwin Harlin of Sawyer, Okla., and together they built a life rich in faith and family. Their love blossomed into a beautiful family with two devoted daughters and sons-in-law: Judy Kay Harlin-Alamo, and her husband, Jeffrey of San Antonio, Texas, and Tritia Marie Grubbs and her husband, Kent of New Windsor, N.Y. Soveida’s heart swelled with pride for her grandchildren: Kai Hayden Grubbs, Sophia Bella Grubbs, Gabriella Lauren Harlin-Alamo and Isaiah Logan Harlin-Alamo, who were the joy of her life.
Soveida was the sister to two steadfast brothers: Daniel and David Garza, and a loving sister to Tomasa Navarro. She was preceded in glorious ascent by her parents, Juan and Aurora Garza, who no doubt welcomed her with open arms at the gates of Heaven.
Our sister Soveida was a woman of wisdom, having earned her Associate’s Degree in business, which she put to good use throughout her career. She served diligently in accounts payable until her well-deserved retirement. Her dedication to her vocation was matched only by her commitment to her faith; Soveida was a devout member of the Catholic Church, having been an integral part of our community for the past 18 years.
Sophie found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid reader, whose imagination was as vast as the Texas sky. Her hands were rarely still, for she delighted in crafting, creating beauty and warmth for all those around her. Yet, her greatest pleasure was found in the time spent with her beloved family, cherishing each moment as a precious gift from above. Soveida Harlin was the epitome of a loving, gentle, and selfless soul. Her presence was a comfort, her smile a balm to the weary, and her kindness a testament to the grace working within her. As we remember Sophie, let us reflect on the words of the Apostle Paul, who said, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Indeed, Soveida’s life was a living embodiment of this greatest virtue, love.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 in the Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Chapel, with R.V. Colbert officiating, and burial following in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hugo. Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.praterlampton.com. The Choctaw Nation, the Harlin, and Grubbs family invite you to honor the life of Soveida following the burial at the Choctaw Nation Old Community Center on N. Webb Street in Hugo.
As we bid farewell to our dear Sophie, let us not be consumed by grief, but rather uplifted by the knowledge that she is now in the company of our Heavenly Father. Her journey on this earth was one of purpose, faith, and boundless love –– a journey that has not ended but merely transformed into eternal life.
May the peace of the Lord be with you all, as we hold fast to the memories of Soveida Harlin, a woman of grace, a matriarch of faith, and a cherished soul who has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Amen.
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