01/21/1952 – 10/24/2025
Zully Esmeralda (Aguilar) Torres, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, October 24,
2025, at Valley Regional Medical Center of Brownsville.
Zully was born on January 21, 1952, to Consuelo (Martinez) and Jesus Aguilar in Brownsville, where she was raised and lived her entire life. She attended Brownsville High School, graduating class of 1970. Zully went on to attend both Texas Southmost College and Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Tx, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. As a faithful educator of B.I.S.D, from 1975-2013, she dedicated her life as a teacher at El Jardin Elementary for 38 years before retirement. Zully was known not only for her sharp wit and encyclopedic knowledge, but also for her gift of making a person feel seen and capable. She also grew fond of traveling and experiencing diverse cultures in her retirement. She was an avid lover of the Hallmark channel, and all of their cinematic themes. She took pride in her holiday decorations, inside and outside of the house. She also loved Christmas, and had even more impressive decor. Above all else, Zully loved spending her time with family and friends.
Her family would like to extend a deep appreciation to Fresenius Dialysis Center, the staff of Valley Regional Medical Center Brownsville, and everyone who provided care to Zully these last few years. As a family, we will be forever grateful for the support and kindness shown.
Preceding Zully in death is her son, Alfredo Torres III; her husband, Alfredo Torres Jr.; her parents, Jesus and Consuelo Aguilar; her siblings, Angelica Hernandez, Amparo Rodriguez, Jose Adan Aguilar, Esequiel Aguilar, Jorge Israel Aguilar and Consuelo Perales; and her nieces and nephews Roxana Aguilar, Leticia Aguilar, Jose Hernandez, Jr., and Marq Allen Johnson.
Survivors include her daughter, Vanessa Torres; her siblings, Rolando Aguilar, Dora Johnson, and Gonzalo
Aguilar; and several nieces and nephews.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and laughter. Her family will forever remember her quick one-liners, her lifelong devotion to education, and her ability to find joy in life’s simple moments.
Visitation hours will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 12pm-8pm, with the recitation of the holy rosary at 6:00pm at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.
The chapel opens at 8:00 am on Thursday, October 30 th , 2025 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. A funeral service will be celebrated at 10am at Mary Mother of the Church (St. Mary’s); via an escorted procession departing Sunset Memorial at 9:30am.
Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485
To send flowers or a plant to the family in the memory of Mrs. Zully Esmeralda (Aguilar) Torres, please visit
https://shalomflorals.com or call (956) 572-3872.
2 Comments
Vanessa, Aguilar and Johnson Family
I was deeply saddened to hear of Zully’s passing. Zully and I go way back when we were in school together and were dorm mates in college. I will forever treasure those memorable times we shared. Little did I know that we would become cousins someday after marrying into a beautiful family.
Vanessa, Dora, Rolando, and Gonzalo, may the Lord grant you strength, peace, comfort, and healing during this difficult time. Zully will be greatly missed. The Lord has received her with open arms.
Rest in peace my friend/ cousin.
I was saddened to learn that Zully passed away. I had the privilege of working with her at EL Jardin and of course hanging out at family gatherings. May she rest in peace.
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