Lucille (Gabriel) Ayers

Lucille Gabriel Ayers was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on March 10, 1926 to Madison Monroe (Matt) Gabriel and Mary Rose Ella Sigmon Gabriel. She passed away on June 1, 2024 in Portland, TX.

Lucille grew up in Corpus Christi and graduated from Corpus Christi High School (now Miller High School) in 1942. She then attended Corpus Christi Junior College (now Del Mar College) and graduated in 1944 with an Associate's Degree in Homemaking.

She met and fell in love with Lt. R. E. (Bob) Ayers while he was stationed at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. They married in 1945 when Bob returned from his service in the Pacific Theater. After his release from the Navy, Bob and Lucille moved to Slaton, Texas where they resided until 1967. While in Slaton, their two children, Ray Madison and Anne were born.

Family was always Lucille's priority, and many of her activities in Slaton revolved around her children. She was PTA President, worked with the Youth Group at the First United Methodist Church, and was instrumental in the formation of Tiger Town, a facility where the youth of Slaton could gather to socialize. Lucille was active in the Slaton Garden Club, Daughters of the Pioneer Women's Club, and was named Slaton Woman of the year by the Chamber of Commerce.

The Ayers family moved to Taft, Texas in 1967, and Lucille became involved in the Taft Woman's Club where she served as president and chairman of the Morning Department. She was also active in the First United Methodist Church of Taft and always found time for bridge.

After Bob's death in 1994, Lucille continued with her many activities in Taft. In 2000, she married Jack Callins, and they lived in her home until his death in 2014.

Lucille lived in Brookdale Senior Living Solutions in Portland for the last ten years of her life where she made many friends and was involved in the Brookdale activities. The family wishes to thank Larry Mullins, the Brookdale staff, and her special caregivers for the love and care shown Lucille. They also wish to thank the staff at Harbor Hospice Facility for the kind and thoughtful care given to Lucille.

Lucille is preceded in death by many relatives and loved ones and is survived by her son, Ray Madison Ayers (Jo Lynn) and her daughter Anne Mott (John); her grandchildren, Amy Ayers Lane (Barry), Mary Catherine Ocker, John Stephen Moore (Regina) and Jason Robert Edgar Mott (special friend, Abby); great-grandchildren, Madilynn, Henry, Barrett Ocker and Lauren Moore. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Lucille was truly a lovely and loving person whose strong faith sustained her through the years. She loved life and was happiest when she could be with her family (especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren). She will be missed, and we all look forward to seeing her again in a better place.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Portland First United Methodist Church, 4545 Wildcat Drive, Portland, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation, in Lucille's memory, be made to Portland First United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 4545 Wildcat Drive, Portland, Texas 78374; Harbor Hospice, 1850 Billy G. Webb Drive, Portland, Texas 78374; or the charity of your choice.

 

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