By ARABELLA SERRATA
Staff Writer
The City of Port Isabel announced the passing of beloved city official and community member Ernestina
‘Tina’ Broughton Barrera.
According to her official obituary, Barrera passed away on March 5, 2025, at 99 years old. She was born
on April 7, 1925, in Port Isabel. She graduated from Port Isabel High School in 1945 as valedictorian and
served in various city roles. The obituary lists the city secretary and executive director of the Port Isabel
Urban Renewal Agency as roles she served.
Barrera also served on the Port Isabel Housing Authority, Port Isabel Friends of the Public Library, Port
Isabel Historical Museum, and other organizations around the city. Barrea was inducted to the Rio Grande
Valley Walk of Fame in 2019, and later the Point Isabel Independent School District Wall of Fame for her
community service.
A proclamation from the City of Port Isabel called Barrera a “constant source of encouragement to
others,” and “earned her the love and respect of City Officials, civic leaders and the affection of a host of
area residents who were proud to call her ‘friend.’”
The city also took to social media to share words of mourning shortly after Barrera’s passing. “The City of
Port Isabel and community mourn the loss of Ernestina Barrera. “Tina” was local through and through with
a heart for all things Port Isabel. Her service to others through her involvement in her church, civic
organizations, and participation in a multitude of community service projects earned her the love and respect of City officials, civic leaders, and the affection of residents who called her friend… Ernestina represented so much that makes our community great and we are forever indebted to her dedication to Port Isabel and for her inspiration to others.”
The funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 14 at 10 a.m. She will be laid to rest at the Port Isabel
City Cemetery.
Barrera is survived by her sister, Margret Barrera Davis, and numerous nieces and nephews. Those who
wish to donate to the Barrera Scholarship Fund can mail their donations to P.O. Box 72, Port Isabel. For her
full obituary, visit thomaegarza.com.
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