Eva Narváez was described by her family as a woman before her time for her professional achievements, her dedication to her community, and her passion for Christ and His church. This woman of faith made a profound impact on our Hispanic community in the Southern California Conference.
Narváez was born April 8, 1920, in El Paso, Texas, and raised in the Catholic church. In her 30s, she met a Bible worker at Adventist Health White Memorial (AHWM), which she described as a life-changing encounter.
Shortly after, she joined the Adventist church. Later, she and her good friends Eufrosina Benitez, Atalia de la Vara, and Plácido and Eva Ortiz, became founding members of the Lincoln Heights Spanish church. She worked closely with Pastor Fred Hernandez and his wife when they became leaders of the church. Narváez helped spread the word about the church in the community as it began to grow. She purchased a van to transport members as they shared God’s word and even drove new members to church on Sabbath mornings.
Narváez ministered locally by passing out Christian literature, helping shape future generations in the church, and volunteering at AHWM chaplain’s department for many years. She led groups to Los Angeles County General Hospital to read Scripture, sing hymns, and worship with patients. She also worked with the Dorcas Society, often collecting donations of clothing to take to Tijuana, Mexico.
Narváez raised three daughters on her own, working long hours to make ends meet and ensuring they learned to be independent and resourceful. She was affectionately known as “Maki” by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and family meant everything to her.
“Every time we saw her, she asked three questions: ‘Are you going to church?’ ‘How’s work?’ and ‘Are you being nice and praying?’” recalled her granddaughter, Sarah Guiterrez.
Narváez’s determination also guided her profession. She worked at La Opinión, a Spanish-language news outlet based in Los Angeles, for more than 45 years and became the first female manager of the classified section.
“She valued the Lord and His work in the world,” said her daughter, Sandra Narváez McLeod. “She was dedicated to spreading His word and working in the Latino community to bring individuals to the Lord.”
Narváez passed away in Glendale on July 4, 2020, at 100 years of age. She was dedicated to her family, her community, and her Lord, and she will be greatly missed.
