Aura Grajales

"Abuelita" Aura Muñoz went into the arms of her creator Jesus Christ on April 25, 2018, at the age of 97. She was born July 23, 1920.  She left peacefully in the home of her caring daughter, Lynda & her son-in-law Marvin, in Hart, Michigan.  Everyone affectionately called her "Abuletia" because she was the epitome of a loving & funny grandma to ALL she came into contact with.

Abuelita loved God's beauty, color and fashion & you never caught her with her hair undone!  She was super creative & was unceasingly working on various craft projects, but these were not for herself, they were ALWAYS to give away to someone special or for a particular fundraiser at her church.  She was gifted as an amazing teacher & she used this gift for the Lord's ministry in Colombia, Chile, Peru, New Mexico & Texas.  She taught thousands of classes which included Sunday school, women's classes & multiple craft classes.  Her teachings went beyond the church to all of her grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors and ALL who called her "Abuelita."

She and her beloved husband, Jose Manuel Grajales of 66 years, dedicated their lives to ministry through the United Methodist Church and retired twice! Their first retirement was interrupted by another ministry opportunity in Colombia 1994-2002. They made their final retirement in Bryan, TX, where her beloved husband preceded her to heaven on January 2009.

Their love story began Bible College in Armenia Colombia where they met and later married on January 24, 1942.  This couple could not be more different in personality, yet you could not have seen a more committed, loving and affectionate couple throughout their marriage!  She would sing him these cute little songs all the time and he would blush if anyone else was around! They were a true example of dedication, love and commitment to one another and to their marriage.

Aura & Manuel were blessed with 5 children:  Wilson, Elena, Judy, and Lynda & Darwin.  Wilson, their eldest, went to be with the Lord in 2012, so there was a joyous reunion in heaven this past Wednesday, April 25th. Wilson had been married to his beloved wife, Sarah, who lives with their children in Chile.  Daughter Elena resides with her husband, Rolando Rodriguez & family in Chile.  Judy lives with her husband, Eduardo Mercado, and family in Peru. Lynda lives with her husband, Marvin Bishop, and her family in Hart, Michigan.  Darwin and his wife, Ysabel, live in Houston, TX.

Abuelita was blessed with some amazing grandchildren: Manuel Grajales, Pamela Grajales, Ely Abate, Marvin Abate, Christian Rodriguez, Eduardo (Cocolo) Mercado,  Giovana Mercado, Marcia Mercado de Arriaran, Carolyn Bishop & Kim Bishop Thompson.  They in turned blessed Abuelita with 10 great-grandchildren:  Bruno Grajales, Leon Grajales, Isabella Guerra, Raimundo Guerra,  Carlota Karig, Lucas Karig, Micaela Arriarian Mercado, Mariana Arriaran Mercado & Sophia Thompson.  Abuelita had many other spiritual children & grandchildren, who also loved her dearly.  We will ALL keep her memory alive and her love for beauty.


Aura & Manuel's ministry took them to Chile from 1960-1965, then to Chile from 1969-1974, then the USA from 1974 in New Mexico, El Paso, Houston, Galveston, Uvalde, Bryan & Tampa until 1994.  They returned to their birth place, Armenia, Colombia to minister from 1994-2002. Then back to the USA until their departures to heaven.

"Abuelita" was fun, sweet and loving and we will miss her dearly!