Irma Dahlia Avila

Donna/McAllen - Irma Dahlia Avila "Coach Avila" passed away at the age of 65.  Funeral arrangements are under the care of Hawkins Funeral Home in Donna.

Irma Dahlia Avila entered eternal rest on Monday, February 6, 2023.  She was 65 years old.  She was born on October 14, 1957, in San Juan, Texas, to Roy V. Avila and Irene Adame.

Irma is survived by her partner Celina Garza, son Javier Garza, and fur babies Cabo, Rio, and Laguna; her three brothers; Roel (Marisela+), Joe (Rosie) and Rene (Melissa).  She had a loving relationship with her nieces, Alejandra, Daniela, Illiana, Jennifer (Mike), Jehra (Jered) and her nephew, Ryan.

She is preceded in death by her parents Irene and Roy V. Avila and sister-in-law, Marisela Avila.

Irma graduated from Donna High School, Class of 1977.  She was elected as the 41st Indian Sweetheart her junior year; the highest honor a girl can receive.  Irma was an outstanding athlete, which helped her garner a basketball scholarship at Amarillo Junior College then transferred to Arizona State University, a Division I school, where she graduated in 1982.

Irma’s life came full circle when she returned to her alma mater for the school year of 1983-1984 where she was hired by Donna ISD as a teacher/coach at DHS for the Bravette basketball team.  Coach Irma Avila lead the Bravettes to 9 playoff seasons in her first 12 years as the head basketball coach.   

Due to her outstanding leadership qualities, she was named Girls Athletic Coordinator for the Bravette program at Donna High School. As The Girls Athletic Coordinator, the Bavette program thrived in all sports earning her coaching staff and students district and state playoff titles. In 1994 Irma took over as Head Volleyball coach, continuing to gain district and state playoff title wins. Coach Avila worked for Donna ISD from 1983-2004. Coach Avila’s forte was coaching. She not only taught the X’s and O’s of sports, she instilled life-long skills such as teamwork, work ethic, character and discipline.

Coach Avila also worked at Rio Grande City CISD for a few years then headed to PSJA ISD. At PSJA she worked at Liberty Middle School, PSJA North Early College High School where she was the Girls Athletic Coordinator and head Cross Country and head track coach. Coach Avila knew how to build an athletic program. Coach had a special fondness for the staff and students at Ford Elementary. The little ones captured her heart, and she would come home and share stories regarding her day. There was a strong camaraderie that permeated throughout campus. It was no surprise when she was selected as Teacher of the Year for the campus. Reluctantly, she retired from PSJA ISD/Ford Elementary in 2020, due to her illness.

What defined Coach’s life the most was her faith in God, family and friends.  The memories Irma gave her family and friends outnumber her accolades.  Coach was larger than life itself, remaining positive in any given circumstance, even as she battled cancer. Faith over fear was her mantra. She was selfless, always thinking of others before herself.

Irma provided unconditional love, understanding and advice that will last a lifetime to those she loved and encountered wherever she was. She touched many lives and helped numerous people from all walks of life.

Irma stayed constant in her belief that life on earth was temporary. Her relationship with God carried her through and strengthened her faith until the very end. As Jesus prepared Irma for an everlasting life with Him, she lived in His Word and became close to his mother Mary in the recitation of the 54 Day Rosary Novena.  As we celebrate Coach Irma Avila’s life here on earth let us remember Gods Words:  2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” Irma lived a servant’s life and embodied a servant’s heart.

John 14:1-2 “Let not your hearts be troubled believe in God, believe also in me.  In my father’s house there are many rooms; If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you”.  Irma is now in her room in her father’s house, celebrating with her loved ones that went before her.

Cancer may have invaded Irma’s body, but cancer did not invade Irma’s soul.  Cancer did not win.  God did.  “Those who die in Grace go no further from us than God and God is very near.”

On behalf of Irma’s family, we would like to extend a gracious thank you to the medical team at M.D. Anderson, Mathew H.G. Katz M.D. CMQ, FACS, FASCO, Dept. of Oncology and a special thanks to Shubham Pant, M.D. MBBS, Dept. of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, for the special care they provided to Irma, “their favorite patient.” 

Thank you to all her prayer warriors for their support. The phone calls, texts and visits were appreciated and a telltale sign of Irma’s profound effect she had on people. Irma “did not want to leave a legacy, only Jesus”.

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