Gabrielle Smith

The year 1984 was filled with exciting events in both sports and music. The basketball great, Michael Jordan, won the John R. Wooden award, presented annually to the outstanding collegiate basketball Player of the Year. In the world of music, both Janet and Michael Jackson were flooding the airwaves with their songs.

In May of 1984 another exciting event was taking place. A young couple was anxiously awaiting the birth of their first child. On May 12, In Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, Blair Smith and Monica (McGuire) Smith, who had been high school sweethearts, welcomed a beautiful baby girl they named Gabrielle, a French name meaning “God is my strength”. Gabrielle was later joined by a brother, Andrew and a sister, Andrea. Though her parents would later divorce, Gabrielle maintained strong bonds with all her family.

For a time after Gabrielle was born, the family lived in Oil City, a tiny town just outside Mt. Pleasant. They later moved to the Kalamazoo area, finally settling in the city of Plainwell. Gabrielle attended Plainwell schools, making friends easily, drawing people in with her beautiful smile and infectious giggle. While in middle school, she played on the basketball team and began a lifelong love of R&B, Rock and Rap music. Gabrielle was very proud to earn her GED from Plainwell High School.

After school, Gabrielle began a new chapter in her life. She worked for a while at Wendy’s and Fireside Restaurant, both located on M-89 between Plainwell and Otsego. She also worked at the Steakhouse in Plainwell and later at JBS, a meat processing facility. Gabrielle was happiest, though, when she was enjoying the great outdoors. Whether camping or simply enjoying the beauty that Michigan has to offer, spending time with her friends meant the world to Gabrielle.

But there was more to this young lady. She loved Mexican food, pizza – pretty much all food. She often took in stray animals, giving them a loving home. She had recently taken up the hobby of Mandala coloring, which brought both fun and relaxation to her life. Gabrielle liked the Oberon symbol – a large smiling sun – which was a good reflection of her own personality.

However, Gabrielle was at her best in her role as mother to her four beautiful and precious children – Logan, Bailey, Leo and Kohler. Family was always important to Gabrielle and that was never more apparent than when she was with her children. Holidays and family gatherings were some of her favorite times.

Sadly, Gabrielle died on June 7, 2016. Spending time with her family and having a good time with all those around her was what Gabrielle liked to do best. The emptiness caused by her passing will be filled with the wonderful memories she created with those she loved. She will be dearly missed.

Gabrielle Smith, age 32, of Plainwell, passed away on June 7, 2016. Gabrielle was born on May 12, 1984. Visit with her family and parents and view her Life Story film on Friday, June 10 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell, 120 Woodhams St. (685-5581). A memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm at the same location. Gabrielle’s family includes her mother Monica McGuire; her father Blair (Nancy) Smith; her children – Logan, Bailey, Leo and Kohler; her brother Andrew (Megan) Smith; her sister Andrea Smith; step-brother Robert Sursely Jr.; grandparents: Dennis (Sandra) McGuire, Dennis Gross, Bernard and Joann Smith. Gabrielle was preceded in death by her grandmother Janice McGuire. Please visit Gabrielle’s memory page at www.lifestory.com where you can read her life story, archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book on line. Memorial donations can be made to Christian Neighbors Food Pantry.