— Caroline Flores was born July 16, 1906, in Sonora, to the parents of Virginia and Claro Hernandez. After a long and healthy life, she passed away at Heritage Oaks Retirement Village on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at the age of 103.
Caroline Flores wanted to fulfill her lifelong dream of owning her own Mexican restaurant. In 1941, she and her husband Julius Sr. opened Old Mexican Inn Restaurant and created a Corsicana hot spot that draws customers from all over. She was a gifted and talented cook who created an enchilada recipe that quickly put O.M.I. on the map. As years pass on, she will be known for having started the Mexican restaurant that has the famous “Orange Dip.” The traditions she started are still being carried on by the second and third generations of the Flores family. Everyone will always remember calling Mrs. Flores by her nickname, “Little Mama.” She may have only stood 4-11, but had a very strong and commanding presence. At her home, she loved gardening her beautiful flowers and picking from her pecan and fig trees. Being a lover of animals, she was a devoted member of the Navarro County Humane Society, a member of the Immaculate Conception Ladies Altar Society, and a former member of the Kinsloe House. She will always be remembered for her charming personality, her loving spirit and her witty comments.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Flores Sr.; mother and father, Virginia and Claro Hernandez; brothers, Adolph Hernandez and Pete Hernandez; and sister, Josephine Pico.
She is survived by her son, Julius Flores II and wife Mary of Corsicana; daughter, Carolyn Castillo of DeSoto; grandchildren, Jeff Flores and wife Barbara of Corsicana, Danica Woolley and husband Jimmy of Corsicana, Carrie Flores Heng and husband Pheakdey of Ennis, Renee Reynolds and husband Sid of Midlothian, and Stacey Payne of Dallas; five great-grandchildren, Kade Flores, Jada and Jaylee Woolley, Tyler and Kailyn Heng, Tanner Reynolds and Kasey Payne; and, of course, her extended family of Old Mexican Inn employees, past and present.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to James L. Collins Catholic School Scholarship Fund, in care of Collins Catholic School, 3000 W. State Highway 22, Corsicana, TX 75110.
An online guest book is available at www.griffin-roughton.com by selecting the Caroline Flores obituary.
Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.
