The overture of the song that was the essence of the life of Kathryn DeCell Gabbert commenced on May 24, 1920, 16 miles west of Hazlehurst, MS on the homeplace of her parents, John Frank DeCell and Anna Graham DeCell. The finale concluded at her residence of 74 years in Senatobia, MS, in a peaceful transition to Heaven on the evening of February 24, 2023. Kathryn's multitudinous, God-given talents afforded her many titles: musician, pianist, organist, choir and choral director, teacher, knitter, seamstress, gardener, rosarian, bridge player, prolific letter and note writer, and patron of the arts. She was a compassionate and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, etc. Kathryn was also a voracious reader and was devoted to reading two devotionals and her Bible each day.Additionally, she would be pleased to know that this narrative is including the fact that she was a huge Memphis Grizzlies fan. When she celebrated her 100th birthday, she received 106 cards. Some of the sentiments expressed in those greetings: "You are an inspiration to us all" "Thank you for sharing your talents and serving so faithfully in our church and in our community all these years" "You are a treasure" and "Music is a gift from the Lord and so are you." Kathryn graduated from Hazlehurst High School, Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, and Millsaps College. She was a teacher at Senatobia City Schools (SCS) for seven years beginning in the Autumn of 1941. Marriage to Jesse Magee Gabbert was on July 18, 1947, at Pleasant Valley Methodist Church near her homeplace. That church was where she began her career as a church musician at age nine. Eighty-nine years later, at age 98, she retired from that calling on June 1, 2018, at Senatobia FUMC. After being a housewife and raising four children, Kathryn returned to teaching at SCS from 1968 until the Spring of 1982. In conjunction with her teaching, she helped Magee operate his gasoline station and car wash from 1971 until his retirement in 1985. She continued working at the station until 1996 when she finally retired for good. Kathryn is survived by her daughter, Kay Gabbert Inglett and husband, Rick; daughter, Patricia Magee Gabbert; son, Scott DeCell Gabbert and wife Teresa; grandson, Gary-Scott Gabbert and wife, Cynthia; grandson, James DeCell Gabbert and wife, Emily; and three great grandchildren, Jaelie, Jase, and Camila Gabbert; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Jesse Magee Gabbert; her brother, John F. (Jack) DeCell, Jr. and wife, May Ellen; son, John Meriwether Gabbert; and her cousin and lifelong friend, Jessie Anna Puryear, who outlived Kathryn by 6 1/2 months. Special recognition must be given to three individuals. Six years ago Georgia began as a parttime helper around the house and to Kathryn. That relationship turned into one of sweet companionship and mutual love and respect. Georgia was with Kay and Pat at the very end of Kathryn's life. Georgia is a treasure to our family. Kevin and Lorrie are neighbors on our McKie Street block. Lorrie is an excellent RN, and she was a valuable resource of medical knowledge whenever we called upon her for advice. She was especially a God-send the last two weeks of Kathryn's life. Lorrie's husband, Kevin, is a master of many trades. He was so generous by supplying Kathryn with vegetables from his garden and flowers; doing household chores when they were beyond our capabilities; and helping her in any other way possible that made her life easier. They also enjoyed good conversations. Our family appreciated both Kevin and Lorrie's expertise, kindness, and love immensely. Visitation and a beautiful memorial service was held for Kathryn at Senatobia First United Methodist Church on March 5, 2023. Interment followed at Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia. An archived video of the service is available at facebook.com/senatobiafumc.org. Memorials may be sent to Senatobia FUMC, 102 W. Gilmore St., P.O. Box 663, Senatobia, MS 38668, or to a charity of one's choice. Appreciation is given to the personnel at Pate-Jones Funeral Home for handling all the arrangements. A tribute wall is also available at patejonesfuneralhome.com in order to write memories of Kathryn and/or to send condolences to the family The musical coda: Kathryn DeCell Gabbert was a genteel, selfless, Southern lady with a servant's heart. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus, and led the people of God in praising and worshipping Him for 89 of her 102 3/4 years on this Earth. Our family is confident that upon entering Heaven, our dear mother was met with "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord." Amen.
