Theodore Gabriel

Mr. Theodore Gabriel was born September 8, 1911 to the late Alex Gabriel and Mamie Wilson Gabriel in Huntersville, NC (Newell Station). Mr. Gabriel accepted Christ at the age of twelve (12) and was baptized in a muddy creek at Mount Olive Baptist Church. He was a faithful member where he served as a Trustee and sang on the Hymn Choir until his age limited his mobility. He loved the Lord, and he was a quiet, kind, gentle, humble, peaceful, man whose works spoke louder than his unspoken word. Despite receiving a seventh (7th) grade education; he had the drive to achieve many accomplishments during his life time. He attended Central Piedmont Community College in is eighties (80’s) to study auto mechanics. He worked tirelessly all of his life to provide for his family. In doing so, he often worked as many as three (3) jobs. He retired from Barnhardt Manufacturing Company after forty (40) years of service. After retirement, he worked part time jobs with Motor Freight Lines, Belk Department Store, and Booth Garden Apartments. Mr. “G” believed in gaining knowledge and “staying in the know”, regardless of your age. He was an avid reader of the Bible and kept abreast of world situations by watching television news and reading the newspaper, until poor eyesight prevented him from doing so. He encouraged his children to get an education, to be “good” citizens, and to “treat people right”. His most trusted advise was to trust in the Lord ‘til you die and to listen more than you talk. Mr. Gabriel went home to take his eternal rest December 6, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Alex Gabriel and Mrs. Mamie Wilson Gabriel; his first wife, Mrs. Dorothy D. Gabriel, two (2) sons: Mr. William O. Gabriel and Mr. Nathaniel Dodd, three (3) brothers;; Joseph Wilson, Willie Gabriel, and Ben Gabriel, one (1) sister; Bessie Gabriel, two (2) grandchildren; Mr. Gregory Coppadge and Ms. Joanne McElwaine He leaves to cherish fond memories: his wife, Elzena B. Gabriel, Children: Mrs. Mary Pierce (Harold) of Jacksonville, FL, Ms. Bettye G. Culp, Ms. Edna M. Gabriel, Mrs. Nellie G. Crenshaw (Bobby), Mr. James Dodd, all of Charlotte, NC, ; Mrs. Jacqueline Jules (Ahoua) of Atlanta, GA, Mr. Haywood Massey, and Mrs. Aszalee Dodd, of Charlotte, NC; Grandchildren: Harold Pierce (Sherene), Vanessa Addison, Derrick Dewalt (Judy), Beverly Sturdivant, Eduardo Dewalt, Natalie Doster (Wallace), Kevin Gabriel (Monica), Nathaniel Dodd, Jr., Juanda Pierce, Samuel Givens, III, Ramone Givens, Darryl Miller, Sr., Lakesha McGee, Crystal Givens, and Christine Hill; Great Grandchildren: Jemel Sturdivant, Justin Johnson, DaShawn Garrett, Ashley Pierce, Shatavia Hamrick, Crystal Sturdivant, Erika Dewalt, Keith Gabriel, Kenneth Gabriel, Cristina Griffin, Sheliah Givens, Madison Givens, Javante Griffin, Alexandre Dewalt, Darah Dewalt, Malek Doster, Jawan Doster, Tia Hill, Cooper Givens, Rayah Givens, Samuel Givens, IV, RaShaunda McElwaine, RaSheeda McMillan (Renardo), and Darryl Miller, Jr.; Great-Great Grandchildren: James Hinton, Jalen Hinton, Adreyan Kirkpatrick, Madyson Morrell, RiSean Garrett, Josiah Sturdivant, Kenneth Gabriel, Jr., and Kameron Gabriel., and also James Culp and Joseph Hunter whom he regarded as sons. He was affectionately known as “Granddaddy” and was dearly loved by extended family and the many lives he touched.

Theodore Gabriel

September 8, 1911 - December 6, 2013