Peers-Lorentzen

Amelia Perez Manzano, 78, of Tulare, California, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 2, 2026. She was born on October 21, 1947, in Tulare, California, and was a proud graduate of Tulare Union High School.

Amelia lived her life anchored in faith and grace. She walked closely with Jesus throughout her years, and her deep love for the Lord shaped the woman she was — caring, nurturing, compassionate, and quietly strong. She had a gentle spirit and a heart that made everyone feel welcomed, even through life’s hardships.

She found joy in the simple blessings of life and loved listening to Oldies but Goodies, especially Elvis Presley. Music brought her comfort, and she lovingly shared this passion with her son and grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Amelia is survived by her sister, Rachael Curlin and husband Melvin; her son and daughter-in-law, Angel Ralph and Naomi Manzano; her grandson, Angel Valentin Manzano; her granddaughter-in-law, Gabrielle Manzano; her granddaughter, Marissa Diamante Manzano; and her great-grandchildren, Roxanne Louise Manzano, Genesis Viola Cortez, and Walter Lee Manzano.

She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Pastora Portillo Penaloza; her loving father, Ralph Perez; her sisters, Maria Villa, Rosa Perez, and Sandra Aguilar; her brother, Rudy Castellanos; and her husband, Margarito Manzano.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m., at Peers Lorentzen Funeral Home, 132 W. Kern, Tulare, CA 93274. A chapel service will also be held at this location on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with burial to follow at North Tulare Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Peers Lorentzen Funeral Service.

Amelia leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, kindness, and unconditional love that will continue to live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her.

She will be deeply missed and forever held in our hearts.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

September 3, 1921 – January 2, 2026

Mary Lee Johnson, 104, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at her home in Tulare, California, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on September 3, 1921, in Louisiana, Mary Lee moved to California at the age of 23. She settled in Richmond, California, where she worked in the San Francisco shipyards during the war years. While in San Francisco, she met her husband, Maceo, and they moved to Tulare, where she made it her lifelong home.

Mary Lee lived a long and beautiful life marked by faith, resilience, strength, devotion, and unwavering love for her family. Her wisdom and grace spanned more than a century, touching the lives of everyone blessed to know her.

For more than 50 years, Mary Lee worked with two Tulare families — Joe and Priscilla Schott, and John and Jessie Torres — as a housekeeper and nanny. She became like a second mother to their children: Sally, Susan, Janice, Pamela, Frankie, and Joey Schott, and John, Joe, Rachael, and Peter Torres, who affectionately called her “Mommy Mary Lee.” Over the years, her relationship with Priscilla Schott grew into a deep and lasting friendship. Even after Mary Lee retired, she and Priscilla visited often and remained devoted to one another until Priscilla’s passing on January 14th, 2025. Every year, Priscilla would send Mary Lee “dolma” — one of her favorite Armenian dishes — and Mary Lee would return the love by sending Priscilla several of her famous sweet-potato pies.

One of Mary Lee’s greatest joys in life was witnessing her son, Bobby, overcome years of addiction and rebuild his life with purpose and compassion. She lived long enough to see him earn his doctorate in clinical psychology, become a published author and college professor, be invited to give a TED Talk, and serve as a respected leader in the field of substance-abuse treatment — dedicating his life to helping others, just as she always had. Knowing that her love, faith, and steadfast support had helped shape the man he became filled her heart with immeasurable pride and gratitude.

Mary Lee was equally proud of the devoted husband, loving father, and honorable man her nephew-son Willie became. Though her nephew by birth, Willie came to live with Mary Lee when he was 7 years old and was lovingly raised alongside Bobby as her own son. She took great pride in his service to his country as a United States Marine and in his honorable discharge. Throughout his life, Willie embodied the values Mary Lee cherished — loyalty, responsibility, family devotion, and quiet strength — and seeing the husband and father he became, brought her deep joy and fulfillment.

Mary Lee also found  great joy in her gardening. She lovingly surrounded her small but immaculate Matheny Tract home with her award-winning roses, which brought beauty not only to her yard, but to all who passed by.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maceo, and her longtime companion, Lee Carr. She is survived by her son, Dr. Bobby J. Davis, his wife Debbie, and stepchildren Jeff, Anthony, Raymond, Brianna, Serena, and Angelo; her beloved nephew, Willie D. Burns, and her granddaughter from a prior marriage, Crishuana. Mary Lee is also lovingly survived by Willie’s wife, Carolyn, and their daughters, Ebony and Mahogany; as well as 16 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Grounded in her faith, Mary Lee was saved and baptized at the age of 12. After moving to California, she made New Zion Baptist Church her first church home and later became a devoted member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. She lived her life in the spirit of Matthew 25 — with kindness, generosity, humility, and a heart for service.

I was hungry. you fed me.
I was thirsty, you gave me water.
I was a stranger, you invited me in.
I was naked. you clothed me.
I was sick. you cared for me.
I was in prison, you visited me.
MATTHEW 25: 35 – 36

Mary Lee will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her life was a testimony to endurance, grace, and love — and her legacy will live on in the many lives she shaped and the family who will forever cherish her memory.

Funeral Services

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. at Peers-Lorentzen Chapel, 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare, CA 93274, with a funeral service immediately following.

Following the service, a repast will be held at the Tulare Silvercrest Community Room, 350 N. L Street, Tulare, CA. All who loved Mary Lee are welcome to join the family in remembering and honoring her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Lee’s memory to Sacramento Recovery House, Inc. at:
https://www.sacrecovery.org/contact-us.html

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Long time resident of Tulare, CA, Wilma McGuire, at the age of 100, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025. She was born in Iowa on March 16, 1925.

Wilma graduated from high school in Kankakee, Illinois in 1941. She met Kenneth McGuire while attending Open Bible Institute in Illinois, and they were married in July 1946. A daughter was born to them in August 1947 and was named Eunice Ann. She was their only child. 

In 1951, they moved to “sunny” California. After living in So. California for a few years, they moved to Tulare in the summer of 1960, where both Ken and Wilma became schoolteachers and where they lived until their passing. 

Wilma had a good, full life. She made many friends through the years. They remember her gentle and caring nature, her sense of humor, her intense interest in a vast array of subjects, and especially in her deep faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her love of the Bible. She gave her heart to the Lord as a teenager. 

Wilma passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 18, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, her brother William and her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Eunice and five nieces and one nephew.

Graveside service will take place at 10 am on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Tulare District Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11am at Tulare Community Church. To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Floyd Steven Garcia, also known as the old goat, papa, and grandpa. Floyd passed away on December 25th, after a year-long battle with cancer. 

Born on November 26th, 1966, in Brawley, California to Filiberto and Mildred. He will be remembered for the best laugh, having the heart of gold and always joking around. Floyd loved to go fishing and ride his bike. He was a huge Raiders fan. His best days spent were spending time with his grandkids. 

He leaves behind three brothers, two sisters, a handful of nieces, nephews, including greats, and the three grandkids that he loved more than anything – Bella, Carson, and Phoenix.

His presence and selflessness brought joy to everyone around him. He will be deeply missed. 

His Celebration of Life will be held on January 9th at the Meitzneheimer Community Center in Tulare from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM. To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Naomi Cordova, aged 53, joined arms of our Heavenly Father on December 17, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones, in Tulare, California, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Naomi was a loving soul who was Born on November 7, 1972, in Tulare, California. She graduated from Sequoia High School, and later went on to become a dental assistant, CNA. She was survived by her mother, Esperanza Moreno, her six children, Joseph Regalado, Josephina Castillo, Jalil Castillo, Juliana Castillo, Jacob Castillo, Joel Castillo, her three brothers, Jesse Cordova, Alfred Galaz, Art Cordova (Pnut), Her sister, Angela, Fernandez, and her seven grandchildren, Joseph Regalado Jr, Athena Castillo, Karen Golden, Xavier Regalado, Abraham Castillo, Evangeline Ibarra, Ezra Ibarra, her daughter-in-law Jessica Valdez, and her son-in-law Chris Ibarra.

Besides spending time with family, friends, and her significant other Joe Jobi Sanchez, Naomi loved doing various arts and crafts, caring for her dog, Brownie, and drinking coffee while watching the news with her mother in the morning.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7 PM at Peers- Lorentzen Funeral Chapel. A chapel service will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with a last viewing from 10 AM to 11 AM. Than a chapel service will begin at 11 AM.  Immediately following a burial service will take place at the North Tulare Public Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to the reception at 1 PM at the Tulare Veterans Memorial Building, located at 1771 E. Tulare Ave.

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Jessica Jackson, beloved sister, mother, aunt, and friend, passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 37. She was born on May 11, 1987, in Longview, Texas, and she brought warmth, kindness, and light to everyone who knew her.

Jessica was known for her kind heart, creativity, strength, and wonderful sense of humor. She had a special way of making people feel seen and loved, and her presence will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her loving children: Christian Ponce, Maya Ponce, Gabby Ponce, and Adrian Ponce; her nephew, Jace Jackson; her sister, Sara Jackson; and extended family who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents, Coleen Jackson and Bo Jackson.

Jessica’s love and spirit will live on in our hearts always.

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Irene Rodriguez, who departed this life on December 13th, 2025 at the age of 53. She was born on January 1st, 1972 in Corcoran CA.

A devoted Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend. Irene dedicated her life to caring for her family. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her. She had a gentle spirit and a generous heart, always putting others before herself.

She is survived by her children, Armand, Sarina, Manden, and Stephen as well as several grandchildren, and siblings She was preceded in death by her Son, Mother, Father, Brother and Sister.

A celebration of her life will be held on December 30^th, 2025, viewing will be held at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Service located at 132 W. Kern Ave Tulare CA, 93274 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm.

Church Service will be held on December 31^st, 2025 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church located at 954 S. O St Tulare CA, 93274 with Rosary at 9:30am and Mass at 10:00am.

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements

Born January 15, 1929, in Visalia, CA, one of seven children, and the oldest of her sisters, Margaret McGriff (née Henderson) spent most of her life in the Central Valley. She is survived by her children Ronald McGriff, Monty McGriff, Margo Lavardure, and Michelle McGriff, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

As the oldest girl, Margaret spent many of her days watching after her siblings as the older ones worked the fields. It was this responsibility that bonded them all, keeping them so close over the years, and made her realize just how important family would be throughout her life; her family of brothers and sisters and her family with Jehovah.

Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1956, Margaret found comfort in Jehovah’s counsel and promises. And with great effort, she did all she could to surround her family with Jehovah. Studying with her children, teaching them the Bible, and telling her siblings all about Jehovah, Margaret wanted her family to know the love of Jehovah. Something she herself would experience many times over.  

In her nearly seventy-year relationship with Jehovah, Margaret gained friends who grew as close as family. She experienced the joy of pioneering for 31 years. And she opened her home to so many of the friends, where you were guaranteed fantastic food and laughter. She marked so many special moments with Jehovah, from seeing her own children’s dedication to watching other family members begin serving Jehovah. Margaret felt what it meant to be loved by Jehovah.

And as we await one of Jehovah’s greatest acts of love, the resurrection, we continue to find comfort in the promises that gave Margaret comfort,

And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.  – Revelation 21:4

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Kevin Lee Cozby passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025. He was born on January 17, 1956 to Leonard Drew Cozby and Dorothy Jean Cozby in Watsonville, California. He was 69 years old, just One month shy of his 70^th birthday. That was a milestone he was hoping to hit. Kevin lived most of his life in Tulare. He was employed for many years at the Village Bowl Bowling Alley, where you would see him fixing/oiling lanes, playing pinball machines or bowling. He was a good bowler. He worked as security/bouncer at several nightclub locations in the Visalia area and his later years in manufacturing. Kevin had a big heart and cared for those who really got to know him. Kevin is survived by his two children Jacob and Chelsea and his brother Richard (Rick). 

Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m., Friday, December 19, 2025 at Peers Lorentzen Funeral Chapel. Private services will be held at a later date. 

Remembrances can be made to the Tulare Amvets located at 157 South K Street In Tulare, CA 93274 or to your favorite charity. 

May Kevin rest in eternal peace and let perpetual light shine upon him. Through your mercy Lord, may his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace. Amen.

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Teresa V. Curiel, on November 18, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family while hand in hand with her oldest daughter Teriann and the love of her life Raul Curiel Jr.

Born in Vado, New Mexico to Felix and Juanita Villa, she made quite the entrance as she was born in a cotton field. Teresa was the youngest and only daughter of Felix and Juanita and grew up amongst several siblings. After enduring the loss of her mother at a very young age, she learned the perseverance and tenacity she would need to proceed through life, and into motherhood, overcoming any challenge that came her way. 

One of her greatest joys in life was becoming a mother, and in 1954 she began motherhood with the birth of her son Bennie. Shortly thereafter he was joined by Daniel, Louie, Michael, Teriann, and Ruthie. Teresa cherished her children and showed them true unconditional love. 

In 1972 she met Raul Curiel Jr., whom she fell in love with and united in marriage on November 15, 1975. Through marriage Teresa was joined with Cindee, Raul, Sophia, and Edward whom she loved. 

While their family grew, Teresa embraced many different roles within the private and public sectors where her heart for service shined through. Teresa was accomplished as a licensed vocational nurse, librarian for the city of San Jose, foster parent, and most notably as an in-home day-care provider for over 30 years. Her work with children became her passion and she affectionately became known as Grandma Teri, to which she was incredibly proud. 

With a commitment to opening her home and caring for children, Teresa and Raul Jr. extended their love to Trisha, Henry, and Margaret and completed their family. Together they were raised as their own, exemplifying once again what it means to demonstrate unconditional love.   

As years passed and the family expanded in numbers, Teresa developed special relationships with each one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As the matriarch of her family her expressions of love, admiration, wisdom, quick wit, and ability to embrace those with differences made everyone want to be in her presence. She could capture attention by telling stories of family history or make you belly laugh as she spoke enthusiastically of going to Tachi and winning at bingo. 

Having built a legacy for years to come, Teresa is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 50 years Raul Curiel Jr., children Bennie Porter, Daniel Porter, Michael (Helen) Porter, Teriann (Jorge) Castillo, Ruthie (Sonny) Good, Cindee Curiel, Sophia Curiel, Edward Curiel, Trisha Curiel, Henry Curiel, and Margaret Curiel (Alex), There are grandchildren 23 and great grandchildren 38, along with sisters Mickie and Fannie, and brothers Albert and Vincent. Preceded in death by her mother and father, Juanita and Felix Villa, brothers Gene Villa, Gonzalo Villa, Joe Villa, and Willie Villa, sons Raul Curiel & Louie Porter, and great-granddaughter Everly Hart Ward. 

Until the day you share just one more kiss with Grandpa, dance, dance peacefully up in the stars, share laughter with your brothers, make up for lost time with your sons, and cuddle sweet Everly for her Momma.

Viewing will take place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare, CA. Rosary will be held at St. Rita’s Catholic Church located at 954 South O St., Tulare, CA on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 9:30am  following with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am followed by interment at the North Tulare Public Cemetery located at 4572 North J St., Tulare, CA.
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.