Norma Gabriel

Norma Jean Gabriel, 94, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, died Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the home of her daughter in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Norma was born March 25, 1917 at Singer, Louisiana to Andrew Burge and Mary Havens Burge. She grew up in Singer, graduating high school there and as captain of her basketball team, helped lead the squad all the way to the state tournament. After graduation, she worked on a shrimp boat and the pickle factory. Norma met her future husband at a dance in Oklahoma Citys Treeanon Ballroom. Norma married Alva P.Al Gabriel on November 28, 1946 at Gainesville, Texas. Al preceded his wife in death on September 14, 1986. The Gabriels moved to the Thompson school district in northern Nowata County and farmed there. The couple maintained their farm, as they moved to Oklahoma City in 1962. Norma became a cafeteria manager for the Oklahoma City schools, retiring in 1972. She loved to dance and enjoyed shopping, especially with her granddaughter and was known as aclothes horse by family and friends alike. Norma is survived by two daughters, Bonnie Grant and her husband, Steve of Bartlesville and Sharon Powell of Oklahoma City one sister, Verda Patterson and her husband, Bill of New Mexico four grandchildren, Steven and Matthew Watts and Jerry Dawkins and Tammy Villines and 10 greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents by her husband by four brothers and by a sister. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2011 in Coffeyvilles Fairview Cemetery Veterans Patio with Chaplain Mike Graham officiating. Service and interment are under the direction of PenwellGabel FordWulfBruns Chapel. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday noon 8pm and until 1 pm, Wednesday. Family will receive friends from 68 pm, Tuesday. Memorials are suggested to Hope Hospice of Bartlesville and may be left at PenwellGabel Funeral Home.