Jean Williamson Gabriel
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Jean Williamson Gabriel passed away on May 26, 2019 at the age of 97. She was born on October 2, 1921 in Orville, CA to C.M. Williamson and Corabel McBride Williamson. She graduated from Hesper Grade School in 1935 and Eudora High School in 1939. She attended Kansas State Normal College in Emporia for one year and then taught at Pleasant Oak School, a one room school house, for two years before she married Paul Gabriel on May 2, 1942. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage on their family farm before he died in 2003. They had three children who survive her; Larry Gabriel, Fairfax, VA; Connie (Gerald) Snider, Olathe, KS; Darrell Gabriel (Ana), Troy, MI. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Ryan (Sarah) Gabriel, Fairfax, VA, Cori (Chris) Anderson, Lawrence; Jeremy (Janie) Snider, Overland Park; Adrienne Gabriel, Chicago, and Alex Gabriel, New York; and nine great grandchildren, Chris, Jr., Chad, and Cole Anderson; Devynn, Sophia and Blake Snider; and Laura and Andrea Gabriel and Anderson Brown. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lois Snyder, Phoenix, AZ, and her parents.
Mrs. Gabriel worked for J.C. Penney’s for many years. She has been a part of the Hesper Friends community all her life. A Celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary – Eudora Chapel in Eudora, KS.
The family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2019 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary – Eudora Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s name to the Hesper Friends Church or Eudora Historical Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I am so sorry to hear about this, Connie. I didn’t know your mom, but I can tell she was a wonderful person who will be missed by her family. My sympathy to you and all your family at this time.
Love to all of you as I know that this will be hard, She was such a neat lady and we are glad to have shared the little bit of time that we did have with her.
Steve and Charlotte Brotherson
Donna Roddy, Hollie Heath, Eric and Shawn Shadwick. Jean was my brothers mother-in-law, I saw in as the traditional farm wife. She was rock strong and gracious. She cared about others. I always felt welcomed in her presence. She will be missed. Job well done Jean. Now you can rest.
I am so sorry for your lose, Connie. I didn’t know your mother, but in reading the obituary she obviously lived a full and wonderful life. I do know she was blessed to have such a loving and devoted daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family at this time. God love and bless you always!
Gerald (Bob) Robert Burns:
Mrs. Gabriel is a Eudora icon, having helped sponsor and ride herd on the Eudora High School Class Of 1961 on our senior trip to Rockaway Beach, MO. Condolences to my good friend Larry and his siblings, Connie and Darrell. Blessings and comfort to the family as they say “see you later” to their mother, grandmother, aunt, and cousin.
My heart goes out to all of you! My mom and Jean were very good friends from Hesper until my mom died in 1996. My mother was Marian Votaw-Freeman. I also knew your mother well, and the gang, including Eva Belle & Blanche. At my mom’s graveside service the preacher kind of sprung it on us by asking if anyone wanted to say anything. Your mom said 4 simple words that I’ll never forget. She said…”Marian was my friend.” I think I still have some pictures of them when they were young girls. I know how much you will miss such a wonderful lady with the best laugh I think I ever heard. Mary Ann (Freeman) Willems
Darrell and family, Condolences from Gloria and I. We know your folks did a good job raising their family. I appreciate the help you gave me to work for Quaker. I enjoyed my years there. Prayers.
We have known Jean as long as we can remember and always admired her for her friendship and especially in recent years as we visited at Hopewell events. She was a wonderful example of leading a full life for her family.