Mabel Gartrell

Mabel Gartrell, daughter of Rufus and Elizabeth Quinn was born March 16, 1938 in Washington, Georgia. She was educated and graduated from the public schools of Wilkes County. She married the late George Gartrell Sr. in August of 1958 and relocated from Georgia to Detroit, Michigan. Mabel expressed her deep and abiding Christian faith by being a natural caregiver and seeking the wellbeing of all those around her. She was once referred to as a modern-day Harriet Tubman, helping her sisters and brothers make their way from Georgia to Michigan so they could have more opportunities and a better quality of life. Mabel was an amazing educator that impacted the lives of many. She instilled a love of education in all her children and ensured they had the opportunity to live up to their potential. She was an educator with the Highland Park School District for 34 years. She was unparalleled at teaching the Distar program, which helped capable readers as well as those who struggled and would not be able to read well without her intervention. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. In fact, she was also known for her distinct and infectious laughter. She was a loyal friend in good times and in bad, including to her longtime companion, Floyd Willis. She was an inspiration to many. She was a devoted mother to her children and had a special bond with her sons-in-law and daughter-in-law. Ms. Mabel was affectionately known as "Granny", and her deep commitment to the wellbeing of children went beyond her household and the classroom. She had many foster children, and adopted, Qunesha McLin and Mindy Brown. She was recognized by the state of Michigan as Foster Mother of the Year. Her house was always filled with children, laughter, joy, and the smell of good cooking. She fed anyone and everyone who came into the house. Her love language was cooking and she was known far and wide for her cornbread dressing. Mabel loved doing her daily morning budget review, puzzles, collecting coins, sewing, and visiting casinos. But her favorite pastime was cruising and vacationing with her family in the Caribbean. She would get teary when it was time to pack up, and before ending one trip, she would ask where we were going next. On cruises, she enjoyed the food (buffet), people watching, Caribbean music, and meeting new people to brag about her children and sons-in-law. In fact, on every cruise, no matter the destination, she built a following on day one that lasted until debarking. She quietly departed this life Friday, January 29, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents Rufus and Elizabeth Quinn, her sister Audrey Jean Todd, and brothers, Rogers Quinn, Edward Quinn and Mitchell Quinn. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her four children: Aurelia Jamerson (Kenneth) of West Bloomfield, MI, Joyce Monts (Bruce) of Harper Woods, MI, George Gartrell Jr. (Kim) of Highland Park, MI and Tineka Hardwrick (Shaun) of Hooper, UT.; five grandchildren: Gabbreilla, Kayla, Taylor, Kyle and Kyah; sisters Alma McCoy of Conyers, GA and Janice Quinn of Tampa, FL; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Mabel Gartrell

March 16, 1938 - January 29, 2021