Erika Anne Esquina, 20, passed away on October 11 after an automobile accident during the drive home to Pearland from Texas State University, where she was a student. Erika is survived by her parents, Pete and Bonnie Esquina; sister, Jenny Esquina and a host of other family and friends.
Erika began taking dance at Dancescape by Joyce when she was 3 years old, and discovered gymnastics some years later. She became a cheerleader at Pearland Junior High East and Dawson High School, and served as cheer captain every year until she graduated from Dawson in 2010. Dawson Principal David Moody remembers Erika as a model student who was very plugged into the school and who served as a vital part of its culture.
Erika lived with gusto and would always urge her dad, Pete, to drive faster while she was tubing behind the family boat on Lake Livingston. Older sister Jenny says Erika was always the brave one. Erika also loved to borrow Jenny’s clothes for dates, banquets and dances. ( Jenny was always grateful that at least they had different shoe sizes.) The sisters were always close and Jenny describes her little sister as beautiful inside and out, pure of heart, and just too good to be true.
She spent her first year of college at Stephen F. Austin University, where she was involved with Push America, an organization that works to benefit people with disabilities. She even served as Miss Push America 2010. She became close to her RA in the dorm that year, Stacy Cohen. They were soon inseparable and Stacy says she will cherish the James Avery ring Erika gave her recently for her birthday and that she knows Erika will always be with her.
Erika, who grew up in Pearland, was one of 50 girls recently chosen from 300 applicants to be a Diamond Sweetheart at Texas State, where she was a mass communications major. She was always a vibrant part of every school she attended and was known for her contagious smile and cheerful personality.
Erika’s mother, Bonnie, says Erika was both generous and creative and loved to make scrapbooks and gifts for friends and family. She also loved to come home from college unexpectedly to surprise her parents. Erika loved comedy and had a great sense of humor. She sometimes caused her sister to suffer asthma attacks from too much laughter. Erika’s distinct laugh was recognizable anywhere, according to her friend Emily Malloy, who says Erika was always her go-to source for encouragement, advice, laughter and sharing chocolate covered strawberries.
Michaela Estrada, a fellow cheerleader who is a year younger than Erika, considered her a role model. Their friendship motto, “through thick and thin,” was meant to carry their friendship into old age and retirement in their favorite place, Florida.
A visitation for Erika will take place on Monday, October 15, 2012 from 5:00 until 8:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church, 3005 Pearland Parkway, Pearland, Texas 77581 with Pastor Sonny Foraker officiating. Interment will follow at SouthPark Cemetery in Pearland, Texas
Dear Pete, Bonnie, and Jenny,
Our hearts are so heavy for your family during this difficult time. Erkia was a beautiful young woman and will be greatly missed by all.
James and Judy Grant
Bonnie & family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Prayers are with you always.
I am a counselor at Glenda Dawson High and I remember Erika’s time at school. She was a smart, pretty, and all-around great girl. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss and are praying for your healing.
Bonnie,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jill
My sweet Erika, you were such a wonderful, hilarious, smart girl. You had such an amazing smile that made this world so much brighter. I know you are now in the presence of our lord and your are watching over all of us and smiling with that amazing smile of yours. You will be truely missed and I will constantly be praying for you, Jenny and your parents.
To the Esquina Family: May God be will you during this difficult time.
Pete, Bonnie and Jenny,
My heart is so heavy for you all. I have been praying for y’all all day. Take comfort in knowing that a lot of people are praying on your behalf.
Much love,
Leann
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. You don’t know me but I work at Lawhon and I heard about your daughter passing and I wanted to send you and your family my condolences. I am praying that God wraps His loving arms around you during your time of need. By the way, I heard He only takes the best ones. I’m sure Erika was an amazing girl.
Sincerely,
Dawn Thomas
Our family is so sorry for your loss. Hold your memories close during this difficult time. We are here if you need anything.
The Millspaughs
Kent, Rene’, Molly and Forrest
Pete and Bonnie our hearts go out to you! Your family is in our prayers. Erika was a wondering and beautiful young lady!
The Gordon’s
Pete, Bonnie, & Jenna, our prayers and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.
Love in Christ,
James & Nancy Bickerstaff
Bonnie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Noelia Lopez
This is Erika’s English teacher. I taught Erika her sophomore and senior year of high school. She was the light that shined everyday in class. She was an inspiration. She never had a negative word towards anyone. She smiled all the time. Her smile was contagious. She warmed people’s hearts. This world will be lost without her. I’m happy that God can enjoy her beautiful spirit and pray her family will feel the same. I love you pretty beautiful girl! Mrs. Munoz.
Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear the news about your daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with your during this difficult time.
Renee’ Taylor
Dear Bonnie, Pete and Jenny:
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness that we felt when we heard about the loss of Erika. We am here to offer support during this difficult time. Erika will be missed greatly. You all are in our prayers.
Our deepest sympathy,
Robin, Zach and Sydney
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Bonnie,
My sincere sadness and sympathies for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Alma Velero
Dear Bonnie, Pete and Jenny,
My heart breaks for you during this difficult time. Erika was a beautiful young woman. You are in my thought and prayers.
Deanna Lockhart
As I continue to pour through the memories of Erika, the most prominent of her is her precious smile and her being surrounded by a group of friends. I cannot imagine what pain you all must be going through. You are such a special family. We are praying that you may find peace, comfort….rest. You are loved!
Kevin and Holly Brashier
Jenny – words cannot come close to expressing the immense sadness I feel for you and your family. I know from our talks how special Erika is to you, and meeting her at the office not too long ago, I understood why. You are in my prayers each day and night. God bless you and give you strength.
Deb
Heaven has a beautiful angel.
Nancy
I’m still in shock that you are not here with us anymore. You were such a wonderful and sweet girl. You were so friendly and loving. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Dear Bonnie & Family,
You are in my thoughts. I pray for you comfort and support.
Love,
Shara Vialva
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work”. II Thessalonians 2:16-17. Be thankful to God for the wonderful gift of memory, where you can forever keep Erika’s love in your heart.
Erika you will always be loved!!!
God Bless,
Lisa Williams-Mask, Brittany Williams-White, and the rest of my family
Bonnie, Pete, and Jenny
Our heart breaks for your loss. I know that God will comfort you even though I am at a loss for words. I remember our girls dancing around in their little “Jasmine Outfits”. She was such a special and beautiful young lady. Love to all of you.
Steve, Pam, and Stephanie Francis
My prayers are always for you and your family. Your in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you.
Love,
Ann, Alex, and Eric
Dear Pete, Bonnie and Jenny
Our hearts are breaking as our Prayers are pleaded in Erika’s name. Our dear Lord holds her so closely now and is so Proud. Please find comfort in knowing Erika was obedient when called home by our Father! Find strength in Him!
God Blesses Always!
Rachel and Dennis Malek
Bonnie my prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Bonnie and Family,
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Wendy Trigg
Bonnie and Family,
I am so sorry for your devastating loss. Wishing you and your family moments of peace and reflection. My heartfelt sympathy.
Tonya
From tutus to toe shoes… giant ribbons to oversize halos… May your faith provide you strength and in time soothe your hearts, knowing that whomever had the privilege of knowing Erika are better for it.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers…
Mark, Kathy, Alicia & Michael
Dear Bonnie and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I know you were so proud of her, and I am so happy that I got to meet her at Dawson during her senior year. She was so sweet and polite, and I have only heard wonderful things about her. God bless and comfort you all during this time; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear daughter. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers. May God bless you all.
Maria Sears & Family
Dear Bonnie and Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Bonnie, Pete and Jenny,
My deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time of grieving. May my prayers give you peace and strength at this time. I admired Erika for her strength of character through her many accomplishments along with her faith. I will continue to be inspired by her actions and the beautiful young woman she was. May she forever live in your heart and memories. God has given us a little angel to watch over us all now.
God bless you,
Jo Anne Johnson and Family
Bonnie, Pete and Jenny our hope and prayer are that these Scriptures will comfort you, and that God will use them to sustain you.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38
We will continue to pray for comfort and peace.
We love you all and if you need anything please call.
Stan & Soly Wilson
Erika is a beautiful girl inside and out. I can’t picture that she’s gone.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for her and family
Dear Jenny and family,
No words are ever adequate in such a tragic time. None of us are ever prepared for so great a loss, nor are any of us ever prepared to truly comfort those in the grip of such pain. But – for Barbara and me – please know that you are in our hearts and we both pray you and your loved ones find some measure of comfort and the strength you need to bear each other up.
JK and Barb
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your daughter, Erika. There was always a special light in your eyes when you spoke of her and while her time here on Earth is done, she will forever shine in the hearts of all she touched.
God bless you and your family,
Jamie
Dear Jenny and the Esquina family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Erika. God only knows what you are all going through at this tough time. My thoughts and prayers are with each member of your family and those that knew and loved Erika. Please let me know if i can do anything. May Erika rest in peace and may her light shine down on all of you and bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Jenny may God give your family strength and peace through this time. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Jenny, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Liz
Dear Jenny & Family,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a beautiful, young girl like Erika. I will never forget the years spent together growing up at Dancescape.
My prayers are for strength, forgiveness, and healing for the Esquina family.
Dear Bonnie and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura
May God comfort your Family. I will be praying for you and your Family!!
Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am so tremendously sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you all and bring healing to your hearts.
Dear Esquina Family; My sincere and deepest sympathies for the loss of Erika. May the Lord bring you comfort and give you strenth in this difficult time.
Dear Esquina Family,
I am the Director of Bands here at Dawson High School. On behalf of the entire band, I want to extend our warmest condolenses to your family during this difficult time. You should know that I spoke with Erika many times during past football games under the “Friday night lights” since she was one of the kindest students I have ever met. Not only was she polite everytime I spoke with her but she displayed great promise to really make a positive impact in the world. She will be missed, but never be forgotten! As an example of this, we recently dedicated our halftime show to Erika last Friday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To the Esquina family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter. We will always remember her sweet smile and personality. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Dear Bonnie
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Bonnie and Family-
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannnot imagine what you are going through.
I hope your beautiful students- who I know you consider family- will help heal your heart during this difficult time.
All of Cockrell is grieving for you,
Arwen Jackson
Dear Bonnie and Famiy,
My heart is heavy for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dearest Bonnie, Pete and Jenny,
May you find comfort in family, friends and God’s love. Please know you are in my prayers.
Blessings,
Edna
Erika was the model of what every young woman could hope to be: beautiful, smart, and everyone loved her. During her time as my library aide at Dawson she always kept me laughing. She lived life to the fullest and will truly be missed.
Heartfelt sympathy to your family as we mourn a beautiful life!
Sincerely,
Delores M. Fitzgerald
PISD teacher (formerly @ Dawson High)
I was one of Erika’s Spanish teachers. I was so very sad to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter. The world just got a little dimmer because Erika is no longer here. She was the sunshine of my day even when she knew I wasn’t ready for her sparkling and energetic personality, but she always made me smile. My most heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Please know that your daughter touched many lives and we are all grateful for the moments she shared with us. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Bonnie,Pete and Jenny,
May God be with you during this bridge of time. The Lord has brought his Special Angel Sweet Erika home everlasting.
I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Erika was an angel in disguise. She touched the hearts of everyone she smiles at. She will be missed. I will pray for your family during this time. She was a blessing to know and God is a lucky man to have her by his side.
Pete, Bonnie and Jenny,
All of you are in my prayers. May the Prince of Peace bless you with His peace.
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways. The Lord (be) with you all”.
2 Thess. 3:16
To the Esquina family,
I am truly and deeply sorry for your tremendous loss of Erika. I worked at the Texas Roadhouse in San Marcos with Erika and I only got to spend a short time with her, she had a great impact on me. She was full of life and happiness and nothing ever brought her down at work, even getting a bad tip. There were a few times I came into work in a bad mood or just not wanting to work but her words of encouragement and her smile turned that shift into a GREAT SHIFT to work that night.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this difficult time and I hope that God may bring y’all peace and comfort.
Erika will never be forgotten and she will always be in my heart as a good friend.
Stephanie Ward
Bonnie,Pete and Jenny
We are so sorry for your loss. May God Bless you. Our prayers are with you.
Cathy, Kelly and Melissa Juneau
Dear Esquina Family,
I am so sorry for your loss of such a beautiful young woman. I have known Erika since I was in seventh grade. I never really got to know Erika until high school and even more so when she started working with me at Texas Roadhouse in Pearland. On multiple occasions we would go eat molten cakes at Chili’s after work and sit for hours talking. She was such a sweet girl and I am definitely going to miss seeing her contagious smile and getting the privilege to go on our “molten dates”. We had some fun times together and she was definitely one of the few people I looked up to in high school. She had a big heart and was full of ambition. She will be dearly missed by me and all of the Pearland community. She definitely had an impact on everyone of us. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. God has definitely gained a beautiful angel.
You are in my prayers, Peace be with you.
Jenny,
My deepest sympathy on your untimely loss. Everyone at National Signs hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May you remain strong during this challenging time.
Gregg Hollenberg
I am so sorry for your loss-Your family will be in my prayers.
Bonnie and family,
No words are adequate to express my condolences, but please know I will be among so many who are praying for God to provide peace as only He can.
Nicki and family
Dearest Esquina Family,
May God Bless you all with his peace during this most difficult time. I thank you for the honor of getting to work with Erika (and you Bonnie) during her Sr. Year. Her memory and smile will be remember by all at Dawson.
I didn’t get the chance to laugh with her, or cry with her. But I will miss her. I will miss her contribution to society. I will miss the lives she could have touched that could have touched me or someone in my family. I will miss the inspiration her future accomplishments would give. The truth is we all will. But there is no use in dwelling on our misfortune. Let us rejoice that we have one more angel watching over us. We need Erika now even more than before. She need not be in our prays. We need be in hers.
Pete, Bonny, and Jenny,
Please know your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Allow our Lord and Saviour to carry you through.
With love in Christ,
The Cole Family
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Mr. and Mrs. Esquina and all members of the family:
Our prayers are with you and all your family in this most difficult moment of sorrow. Though I do not know Erika, I must have seen her on campus at some time or another with her team student members. I teach at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and share the students’ enthusiasm and concerns throughout the year. I’m sure your daughter brought plenty of energy, joy and hope to all of us at Texas State University. She’ll be missed!
Respectfully,
Olga Mayoral Wilson, APR
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God’s peace comfort each of you.
Dear Bonnie, Pete and Jenny,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Erika touched the hearts of so many. I remember her from Dancescape, always so sweet, always happy. As I look back through Robin’s dance pictures I see Erika precious as can be. I am blessed to have known such a sweet young girl.
Dear Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet, beautiful daughter. I wish I could have met her, but as I learn more about her I am not surprised at how amazing she was. Like mother, like daughter.
Erika truly was an angel in disguise. I am so lucky and blessed to have grown up with her since elementary school. I have many memories of going to church with her in elementary school, to birthday parties growing up, to Ready, Set, Teach our senior year of high school. And seeing her on campus at Texas State always made my day a little brighter. She was one of the happiest, most positive people I have ever met, and I will never forget her. She touched so many people’s lives… She will never be forgotten. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
Dear Esquina Family,
To this day, I cannot believe that the brightest star in the sky is gone. I met Erika in 7th grade and I had the pleasure of having a class with her every year until we graduated. The day she wasnt there the room was quiet and dull… I look back at the pictures i had of her and with her and I just cannot believe that she is gone. I have been praying for you since I heard what happened. You are in my thoughts everyday at every moment of the day when I see something that reminds me of her. She will remain as the brightest star in my book. Our Dawson Angel will live forever! I and I know everyone that knew her will remember Erika everyday until we meet again with her.
My prayers are with you,
Indira
Bonnie,
I was heartbroken to hear about your daughter, Erika. I’m sure no words can comfort a parent during this tragic loss and the void which cannot be filled. I hope the Lord helps you and your loved ones through this trying time and you can find peace in your faith knowing one day you will meet again.
Loving thoughts and prayers,
Laura Galindo
Dear Esquina family,
I am sorry for your loss, she was truly a great person. I remember Erika and I in elementary school together, she always was kind to others and treated even the odd ones like me with respect and an open heart. she never changed and till the end i could only describe her as a kind person. i was happy to know her while i could and just wanted to let you know you raised one of the good ones.
Dear Bonnie and Family,
Words cannot express the sympathy I have in my heart for you and your family. I will be praying that God will hold you tightly in the palm of His hand as you grieve this tremendous loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Esquina Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for your family. May the Lord continue to give you strength, peace and fill you with His Holy Spirit. May He hide you under the shadow of His wings. You are loved and Erika was greated loved by all the knew her. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love in Christ,
Marcella and Vince Bernhardt
The loss of your baby has had an impact on her entire commmunity. The untold suffering that her death and absence are bringing, will only be relieved when we see her again in Heaven. Until then, we can only offer our (brokenhearted) condolences, which pale by comparison to her beautiful presence, attitude, and spirit. Our loss is our Heavenly Father’s gain!! :’(
Sincerely,
Brad and Cassaundra Smith
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family always. We are so greatful to have known Erika and will always remember the ray of sunshine she brought through the door every time she came in. She will be missed dearly.
Melissa
Dear Esquina Family,
I just found out about your loss. I am so terribly sorry!
I taught Music to Erika at Challenger. I will always remember her! She was so sweet, caring, and kind and really stood out. I still have a little poem that she gave me so many years ago. I will cherish it for the rest of my life.
Please know that you’re in my prayers. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul! May God comfort you through this painful time.
With much love,
Veronica Lorine
Bonnie: Our prayers are with you and your family for the loss of your beautiful daughter, Erika. We were sad to hear this news and pray that God’s peace, mercy, and grace will pour over you.
Snookie
Pete and Bonnie,
While this tragedy may seem like a dream and not real, there truly are few words from me that could possibly bring you comfort. My prayer is that the Lord give you strength daily, that His face shine upon you and give you rest. That you can take this pain to the cross and let the Lord help you with your burden. Take comfort in His arms, in His words, and in His truth. Erika walks the Golden Streets of Heaven with her Creator. While you will always want her here with you, she is safe in the Fathers’ arms until the day the Lord calls you Home to be with her again.
Bert and Amanda
Bonnie, Pete & Jenny,
We were so sorry to hear about Erika. She was such a beautiful young lady. We will always remember her bright smile and her sunny disposition at DanceScape by Joyce.
May God give you the strength you need and may you find some comfort in knowing others care. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
Debbie, Bob & Kirstie Harris
My name is Gilbert Gonzales and I live in Prairie Lea about a mile from the site of the accident where Erika lost her life. To the Esquina family I am deeply sorry for the loss of your daughter. My thoughts and prayer are with you. God bless.
Bonnie, Mr. Esquina, and Jenny,
I am sorry to hear about your baby girl. My prayers are for God to comfort you through this difficult time. Trust in Him and He will see you through. Erika was a beautiful person thru and thru, and her memory will live on forever.
Our deepest sympathy,
The Pereira family (Angelica)
I did not know Erika personally, but I always saw her beautiful smiling face around school. She made such a wonderful role model to so many people and I wish i would have gotten the chance to actually get know her. The impression she made on everyone was so wonderful, I’m so sorry for your loss, She was one of a kind.
Pete, Bonnie & Jenny,
Erika is so dearly missed. We are praying for your family and are thankful for the time we had with her. She is praising Jesus now.
I worked with Bonnie in Ohio years ago. I came across the news about her daughter and just wanted her to know that she is in my thoughts and prayers. What greater loss could a mother suffer, than the loss of their child. May Jesus comfort her!