Dr. Dolores E. Rangel

In Loving Memory of Dr. Dolores E. Rangel

Dr. Dolores E. Rangel, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, professor, colleague, and friend, passed peacefully at home in Statesboro, Georgia, on October 27, 2025, surrounded by her husband Carlos, sister-in-law Laura, niece Ana Victoria, son Pablo, and his girlfriend Nina. She was 65 years old.

A native of Monterrey, Mexico, Dr. Rangel lived a life devoted to faith, family, learning, and the beauty of cultural connection. She earned her Licenciada en Letras Españolas (B.A. in Spanish Letters) from Tec de Monterrey, an M.A. in Spanish from New Mexico State University, and a Ph.D. in Latin American Literature with a minor in Hispanic Linguistics from the University at Buffalo in New York.

Her academic journey was marked by deep passion and dedication. She taught for many years at Tec de Monterrey and served as a Visiting Professor at Queen’s University in Canada and the University of Texas at Brownsville before joining the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Georgia Southern University in 2005. Throughout her career, she was admired for her brilliance, warmth, and unwavering support for her students and colleagues.

Dr. Rangel’s scholarly contributions were extensive. She authored one book, six peer-reviewed book chapters, 17 journal articles, one book review, and delivered 36 presentations at national and international conferences between 2006 and 2025. Her research focused on Mexican narrative, contemporary Latin American literature, and women’s writing, leaving a lasting impact in her field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dolores was a woman of grace, intellect, and faith. She found joy in gardening, reading, exercising, swimming, ballet, and exploring the world through travel. She loved learning about languages, cultures, and traditions — always curious, always open-hearted. A devoted Christian, she studied the Bible diligently and lived her life guided by faith and purpose.

She is survived by her loving husband, Carlos Martinez; her sons, Pablo Martinez and Carlos Martinez Jr.; and her grandchildren, Cora Isabelle Lau-Martinez and Gabriel Davis Martinez. She also leaves behind extended family, dear friends, students, and colleagues who will forever cherish her memory.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7–8

Her life was a testament to love, perseverance, and faith — a legacy that will continue to inspire everyone blessed to have known her.