Josephine Clara Reyes was a bilingual elementary school principal from San Antonio, Texas, who spent 28 years transforming underserved schools into places of excellence and joy. The daughter of migrant farmworkers, Josephine was the first in her family to finish high school. She went on to get a master's degree in education leadership and became the youngest principal in her district's history. Her schools consistently outperformed statewide averages. She is survived by her husband Marco, children Sofia and Diego, and a school community that is renaming its library in her honor.
🎵 Memorial Song
🎵
Open the Gates
Alvaro Barrera
🇺🇸 English
[Verse 1]
We came with lowered heads
And names we love to hold
Your hands were gentle here
Your heart was brave and slow
You gave the last warm word
You made a room feel safe
Now all we bring is tears
And gratitude and faith
[Pre-Chorus]
But heaven knows your name
Heaven knew your steps
The hands that held you then
Were always coming next
[Chorus]
Open the gates, Lord
Let Your child come in
Open the gates, Lord
To the light within
Rest in the arms of Jesus
Rest where peace begins
Open the gates, Lord
Let Your child come in
[Verse 2]
We see you in the chairs
In every quiet meal
In every helping hand
In all the love you sealed
You lived the softer way
You chose the kinder road
And now the road is done
But not the love you showed
[Pre-Chorus]
Heaven knows your name
Heaven knew your face
And every burden here
Has fallen into grace
[Chorus]
Open the gates, Lord
Let Your child come in
Open the gates, Lord
To the light within
Rest in the arms of Jesus
Rest where peace begins
Open the gates, Lord
Let Your child come in
[Bridge]
No more aching body
No more weary days
Only joy and morning
Only endless praise
We will miss you deeply
Till our own time comes
Then by grace and mercy
We will see the Son
[Final Chorus]
Open the gates, Lord
Let Your child come in
Open the gates, Lord
To the light within
Rest in the arms of Jesus
Rest where peace begins
Open the gates, Lord
Let Your child come in
(come in)
(rest in peace and joy)
(come in)
Josephine's schools outperformed the district every year she ran them. The data shows what everyone who worked with her already knew: she was extraordinary.
— Dr. Robert Lim
6 months ago
"
Mom, you were the youngest principal in the district and the best one. You always said being first only matters if you open the door behind you. You did.