Carrie Bell “Keita” Thomas Gabriel, 66, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C. Born on July 25, 1959, in Iredell County, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Paul Thomas Sr. and Ina Colleen Morrison Thomas.

She was united in marriage to Larry Gabriel, who survives her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold Leon Thomas, Samuel “Booster” Thomas, George Blakely “Gebe” Thomas and Mitchell Shay Thomas; andtwo sisters, Margaret “Pap” Kathleen Thomas and Susie Thomas Morgan.

Carrie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She cherished time with her family and leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness. She was a graduate of South Iredell High School, Class of 1978. She continued her education at Mitchell Community College, where she received an Associates Degree in General Occupation in Health Care. Carrie was a faithful member of Calvary Presbyterian Church, where she assisted in Sunday School. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends. Some of her hobbies were painting, crafts, listening to music, cooking homemade meals, cakes and pies.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Gabriel; her son, Larry (Megan) Gabriel Jr. of Statesville; daughters, Keidra Gabriel of Statesville, Lashonda (Antonio) Ardon of Statesville, and Hollianna Gabriel of Statesville; seven beloved grandchildren, Anala Gabriel, Isaiah Gabriel, Arianna Gabriel, Maeli Gabriel, Liam Gabriel, Legend Gabriel and Reign Gabriel; her brothers, William “Ike” (Joanne)Thomas, Keith (Barbara) Thomas, Charles (Wendy) Thomas, Manasseh Thomas, and Andrew “Jim” Thomas. She is also survived by three her aunts, Emma Jean Huggins, Mildred Thomas and Myrle Thomas, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Calvary Presbyterian Church with Rev. Timothy Bates officiating. Interment will follow at Iredell Memorial Park.

Carrie will be remembered for her warmth, her unwavering devotion to family, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.