Margaret S. Gambill's Obituary
Margaret Saint Gambill, 90, entered her eternal residence Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 1:06 AM. Surrounded by her daughter, son and grandson, she shed the burdens and cares of this world for the joy, peace and celebration of her heavenly home.
A celebration of life will be tomorrow, Wednesday, November 22nd at Greggton United Methodist Church, 1101 Pine Tree Road in Longview. Visitation begins at 1pm, with a memorial celebration led by Pastor Ricky Ricks at 2pm. Internment will immediately follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, 5000 W. Harrison Road, Longview.
Margaret was born October 2, 1927 to Garnett Edward (Buddy) Saint and Edna Margaret (Traweek) Saint in Portland, Texas. As a beautiful young bank teller, she met her husband-to-be, Robert Harry Gambill. They were married April 10, 1948. They had two children, Margaret Elaine (Peggy) Gambill Brock and Robert Harry (Bob) Gambill, Jr. The family moved to Longview in 1966, coming from Aransas Pass, Texas where Robert worked for Atlantic Refining Company and Margaret was a stay at home mom and housewife.
In Longview, with both children in Pine Tree schools, she began a career at BB Answering Service, where she worked until well into her 60’s. Once “retired”, she started working with her son, where she stayed involved until her final, true retirement just four years prior to passing, at the age of 86.
Margaret’s life was a testament to her strongly held belief we are placed on earth to serve others. She believed God’s children are God’s hands, and those hands are meant to actively love and care for those around us, regardless of their circumstance or position in life. She often gave of her time, talents and gifts to support a multitude of ministries and charitable organizations. Many times, she would give beyond her own needs or resources, trusting God to supply, which He did on every occasion.
Her personal ministry was conducted under the auspices of her Sunday School Class, the Friendship Class of Greggton United Methodist Church. Over several decades, she wrote and mailed thousands of cards to family, friends and strangers facing difficulties. From “get well” cards to simple “thinking of you”, each was signed, “Friendship Class”. In addition, she regularly sent a personal card or remembrance. Church members often donated stamps and cash to fund the card ministry. Over recent Christmases, her grandson provided boxes of cards, stamps and money. It became a generational tag team effort, and was one of her favorite presents each Christmas.
A gifted seamstress, Margaret’s sewing ability spanned from wedding dresses for family and friends, to sewing majorette uniforms for the Pine Tree High School marching band in the late 1960’s. She sewed her daughter’s wedding dress and all brides maid’s dresses in 1972; her son’s prom suit in 1975, and clothes of many styles for her family over the years.
Her culinary strengths were the delight of the various clients of her son’s business. She regularly baked cookies and brownies, and gave away trays of them at Christmas and throughout the year. Friends and families were often recipients of Ms. Margaret’s baked “goodies”, as well.
In her final days at Heartis Assisted Living, Margaret’s most joyful moments were spent folding newsletters, stuffing envelopes and helping the staff where she could. Her life was completely enthralled with giving, helping, loving and serving.
Before assisted living, she loved working in her yard, talking with and encouraging her friends and family, and most importantly each fall, trying to coach the Dallas Cowboys to a win. While also a Texas Rangers fan and a season ticket holder to Pine Tree High School football games for over 30 years, no team could surpass or replace the love held for “her Cowboys”.
She traveled with her children, friends and business associates on special trips and adventures. During her life she saw much of the United States, and some parts of Europe, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
She was preceded in passing by husband Robert, 51, on February 28, 1977, when she was only 49. She remained true to him throughout her life, never dating or considering re-marriage. She was also preceded by her parents, oldest brother Garnett Edward Saint, Jr who died serving the nation on a bomber crew over Germany in World War II, brother William (Bill) Saint and sister Hazel Saint Younts, along with a host of other family members from both her and Robert’s side of the family.
She leaves her daughter Peggy and husband Dwayne Brock of Tyler, Texas. She loved to ride the golf cart and go fishing with Dwayne, and the two created many memories together sharing love and laughter. She leaves her son, Bob and wife Rethea of Longview, Texas. Rethea and Margaret spent many fun times together, among other things shopping for groceries and having lunch on Wednesdays at Chick-Fil-A, where they developed many connections with staff and other customers.
She leaves one natural grandson, Alan Dwayne Brock, with whom she shared a close and unique bond throughout their time together. Alan could not pronounce “grandmother” when he was little, and his proclamation of “Gege” became the moniker she was known by for almost 40 years. She proudly bore “GEGE” license plates on her car for much of that time.
She also leaves behind her extended grandchildren, whom she took immediately into her heart, and developed a special, deep love for that is unquestionably eternal. Granddaughter Kemberly Carol McLaughlin, husband Gorden and family of Fort Worth, Texas; and granddaughter Casey Frances Cassinis, husband Enzio and family of Lakewood, Colorado.
She further departs with a profound love for a host of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and in-laws who were a tremendous source of joy and pride throughout her life. She saw each one with her heart focused on their particular gifts and talents. She believed each had something special to offer, and she beamed at the mere mention of their names.
In lieu of flowers, to honor her commitment to others, the family requests memorials and donations be made to one of Margaret’s many church and charitable concerns, including: Greggton United Methodist Church (United Methodist Women), Newgate United Methodist Mission, House of Hope, Highway 80 Rescue Mission, Hope Haven Women & Children’s Rescue Mission, Longview Community Ministries, Women’s Center of East Texas, Caring & Sharing, Habitat For Humanity, Salvation Army / Thrift Store and Asbury House Children’s Ministry.
A special appreciation is extended on behalf of Margaret to the entire team of caregivers at Heartis Assisted Living & Memorial Care, where she lived out the last year of her life. Especially to those who rallied around her and the family over the last few weeks with strength, dedication and understanding.
The Hospice of East Texas professionals helped make the final transition to her heavenly entrance. Visiting Angels provided respite and relief to her family in her last days. And finally, the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County provided her family with guidance, comfort, direction and assistance for many months as they navigated through the challenges presented by dementia and Alzheimer’s.
http://www.raderfh.com/obituaries/Margaret-Gambill/
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