Woodward - March 14, 1930 - April 12, 2026

Helen Patricia Gabrel, the epitome of elegance and the heart of a vast, loving family, passed away peacefully at home with her children by her side on April 12, 2026. A woman of sharp wit, impeccable style, and a rare capacity for joy, Helen leaves a legacy defined by her devotion to her Lord, her family, and the many lives she touched as an educator and friend. Viewing will be at Billings Funeral Home during the day on Thursday, and the funeral will be on Friday at 10:30 AM at the Lincoln Avenue main campus with graveside service following.

Born on March 14, 1928, in the family-owned Hotel Ector in Odessa, Texas, Helen was the daughter of Floyd Lee Burroughs and Addie Lee Williams Burroughs. She grew up in Odessa alongside her three sisters and older brother. After graduating from Odessa High School, she attended Hardin-Simmons University, where she was voted "Sophomore Favorite." She earned her degree in education, launching a distinguished 23-year career teaching Physical Education and Health Sciences across multiple states.

In 1949, Helen married the love of her life and best friend, Charles Harvey "Pug" Gabrel. Their 59-year marriage was a magical romance of total devotion. Together, they traveled the world, making lifelong friends in every corner of the globe. Throughout their journey, Helen turned 16 different houses into warm, beautiful homes. With signature organizational skills and an eye for the perfect antique—often secured through a good garage sale negotiation—she had the unique ability to make every new house feel as though the family had lived there forever.

When Pug passed away unexpectedly in 2008, Helen faced the greatest challenge of her life with grace, carrying their shared spirit of adventure forward. Her faith remained her cornerstone; a devoted Christian, she put her total trust in her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her church family at Lincoln Avenue Baptist brought her immense happiness, and she cherished her Sunday school classmates as some of her favorite people in the world.

To know Helen was to know a truly elegant lady who was simultaneously full of silliness and laughter. She was a woman of many passions, from her skill as an artist creating stained glass windows for loved ones to her lifelong love of flowers. She especially loved yellow roses, planting them wherever she lived and often moving them with her to her next home. An avid reader, she was rarely seen without a mystery or history book in hand. She often joked that, given her love for detective novels, she would have made a fabulous private investigator in another life.

Helen lived by the philosophy of never wasting a day. She taught her five children the value of a hard day's work—a lesson often rewarded with her legendary homemade peppermint ice cream. Her greatest happiness was found when all five of her children and their families gathered for vacations and holidays, creating lifelong memories for everyone. One of the most memorable family experiences was their 50th wedding anniversary wedding cruise, where many amazing and joyful memories were created.

Helen is survived by her five children: Gary Steven Gabrel and wife Cameron; Celtie Leigh Johnson and husband Eric; Patricia Catherine Gabrel and partner Jim Day; William Randall Gabrel and wife Lynn; and Helen Elizabeth Squibb and husband Jeff.

She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Gabrel Lawler, Ember Stabler, Farren Dykes, Tanner Johnson, Elizabeth Rodgers, Raelyn Gabrel, Cindy Patton, Christopher Squibb, and Angela Bay; as well as over 24 great-grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren will forever love and cherish her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, "Pug"; her parents; and her four siblings.

Helen Patricia Gabrel will be remembered for her love of Jesus, her gracious spirit, and the fun stories she left behind in the hearts of everyone she met. She taught us that a home is made of love, a day is meant to be lived, and a great love story never truly ends.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to a local charity.