Katie Mae Gambrell

Gambrell, Katie Mae

Kate Mae Jones Gambrell, at age 84 peacefully transitioned on June 8, 2017 at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  She was resident of southern California until 2012 when she moved to Albuquerque New Mexico.  Kate Mae Jones was born on March 31, 1933 to Kater and Monteal Jones in Marshall, Texas. She was one of five children born to Kater and Monteal Jones.  Katie joins her mother and father along with sisters, Bernice Jones Clark, Catherine Jones,  brother, David Jones and grandson Christopher Hudson that have proceeded on before her.  The last surviving child of Kater and Monteal is their sister Minnie Jones Payne.  
Katie Mae Jones attended St. Peter’s Academy High School in Dallas, Texas. During her high school years she was a majorette in St. Peters Marching Band.  She also attended Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana majoring in nursing. While attending college Katie met and married John Gambrell and from their union they had 3 children, Fredrick, Daphne and Cathy Gambrell. After the marriage ended in divorce.  Katie and her two children moved to California where the third child was born.  Soon after that she met the love of her life Melvin Alexander. Through their union they had six children, Michael, Angela, Edmond, Paula, Paul and Melanie Alexander.  
Katie was employed at Max Factor Cosmetics in El Segundo, California where she retired in 1983 during her years at Max Factor she received numerous Outstanding Employee Awards for her service.
After retiring she still felt the need to serve her community.  She opened and successfully ran a daycare from home; where she provided “tender loving care” to clients, friends and family.
Katie was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends. Katie was also passionate about gardening and was dedicated to producing fresh vegetables. Katie’s greatest love was socializing with family and friends, she loved to play Bid Wiz and Spades. She earned the title “Queen of Spades”. Katie's other interest were fishing, slot machines and football. She was a true Dallas Cowboys football fan.  Katie was well diverse on many political issues, social movement of stories in which she told about King’s March in Mississippi.
She attended Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church while living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Katie gave her heart when caring for other well-being. She was a very loving and kind spirited person that reach multitude of people.
The love she demonstrated to her friends and family cannot be express in words. She was a special Mom that protected her family. The family of Kate Mae Jones Gambrell would like to express our deepest gratitude to our family and friends for your prayer, kind’s words during this time.
Kate Gambrell leaves her legacy to carry on through:  Daphne Gambrell Jones, Cathy Gambrell, Michael Alexander, Angela Alexander Dowell, Edmond Alexander, Paul Alexander, Paula Alexander Chandler and Melanie Alexander Fields
Katie has twenty one grandchildren, Stevie Johnson, Dyani Gambrell, Cheron Rouzan, Sheena Harris, Michael Alexander II,  Monteal Brooks, Michael Alexander III, Aaron Dowell, Myra Chandler, Brandon Dowell, Barvona Abellera, Torrey Alexander, Joshua Chandler, Morgan Alexander, Zyra Alexander, Devon Alexander, Brighton Alexander, Angel Gambrell, Frederick Gambrell Jr.;12 great grandchildren, Terrel Harris Jr, Nina Harris, Daniel Harris, Jasmin Harris, Isiah Harris, Tamya Harris, Arie Gambrell, Eden Alexander, Noah Faulkner, Ethan Alexander, Roymel Brooks Jr and Keymorea Brooks.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 30, 2017, 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church at 4848 Huron Dr NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144.  Service will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017, 11:00 am, at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church. Interment to follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park at 4310 Sara Rd. SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
4310 Sara Road SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-892-9920