Esther M. Acevedo

Rev. Esther Martinez Acevedo, 83, of Orlando, went home with the Lord just before sunrise on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. She went peacefully, in her sleep, with her children at her side, clothed in the peace of the Lord. Rev. Acevedo was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico on April 1, 1930, the daughter of the late Ceferino Rosa Martinez and Emilia (Gutierrez) Martinez. Rev. Esther Acevedo was the widow of Rev. Carlos Acevedo, who passed away in November of 2010 after 59 years of marriage. The Acevedos were a pioneering and influential ministry couple. After graduating from Bible Institute together in 1957, Esther and Carlos Acevedo were pastors and church planters together, either launching or leading congregations in Paterson, NJ, New York City, and, in 1973, one of the first Hispanic Assemblies of God churches in Orlando. On two occasions, young pastors who succeeded the Acevedos in pastoral ministry would later become Superintendents of their ministerial districts, the virtual equivalent of “bishops” in the Assemblies of God. Rev. Esther Acevedo holds the distinction of being one of the first women ordained into full ministry by the Hispanic Assemblies of God. She leaves the Latino church in Orlando immeasurably stronger than she found it 40 years prior. Each of Rev. Acevedo’s siblings (two brothers, Expedito and Saturnino, and one sister, Inés Sierra) has preceded Esther to eternity. Rev. Acevedo is survived by a daughter, Rachel Acevedo, and three sons: Anthony Acevedo, Samuel Acevedo, and Carlos Acevedo. She is also survived by one Grandchild, Neidy Acevedo Gotay, and two adoring Great Grandchildren, Jadon and Isabella. She is further survived by several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. The Viewing for Rev. Acevedo will take place Friday, May 24, 2013, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at Centro de Adoracion y Alabanza, 14152 Boggy Creek Road, Orlando, Fl 32824-8995, (407) 857-5100. The Burial will take place on Saturday afternoon, May 25, 2013, at 1:30pm, at the chapel of Osceola Memorial Gardens, 1717 Old Boggy Creek Road, Kissimmee, Fl 34744, (407) 847-2494. Esther Acevedo will be laid to rest beside the remains of her husband at the facilities of Osceola Memorial Gardens immediately following the burial service.

Esther M. Acevedo

April 1, 1930 - May 22, 2013