Bernadette (Bern) Williamson Gabriel peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the Carpenter House in Harahan, La. She was 79 years old and was born on September 26, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana. A native of Port Sulphur, LA, Bernadette was the beloved daughter of the late Selina and Edward Williamson. She was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Sulphur.
Bernadette was united in holy matrimony to Sherman Gabriel for 63 years, and together they raised seven children: Sonia (the late Paul) Mackey, Robin (Gregory) Vaughn, Suzette (Lilton) Harvey, Shane Gabriel, the late Sgt. Shelly Gabriel Barthelemy, Wade (Medea) Gabriel, and Danielle (Benedict) Oguzie. She also cherished her bonus daughter, Natasha (Michael Jr.) Mitchell.
She was preceded in death by her siblings: the late Francis Williamson, Gloria Broussard, Geneva Williamson, Lorraine (the late Elton Jr.) Edgerson, and Susie Williams. Bernadette was the proud grandmother of Tiffany (Gerald) Dillard, Cierra Gabriel, Lanisha Vaughn, Nasha (Charles) Rochester, Tshonna Harvey, Jolisa (Emmette III) Sylve, Brittany and Shanna Gabriel, Sherrie and Shane Dinette, Seth Ragas, Rochon Barthelemy III, Lacie (Korbi) Williams, Angel, Wade Jr., Cody, and Cade Gabriel. She also leaves behind 23 great-grandchildren.
A loving sister-in-law to Shelby (Jenny) Spearman and godmother to Donna Lightell and Enid Jones, Bernadette's memory will also be cherished by her Aunt Marjie Smith, three devoted friends-Juanita Parker, Earl Fox, and Drexel Narcisse-and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
Known affectionately as "Queen B," Bernadette was a dedicated homemaker who had a passion for cooking and loved to feed anyone who came to her door. She was the keeper of all the "tea," meaning the latest gossip, but more importantly, she was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. She took care of everyone around her, never turning anyone away. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering strength made her a true pillar of her family. Even as she fought a long and courageous battle with illness, she showed incredible resilience. Bernadette was deeply loved and respected by her family, who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Selina and Edward Williamson, her daughter Sgt. Shelly Gabriel Barthelemy, grandchildren Nadia and Charles Gabriel, and her five sisters.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial which will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church located at 28698 LA - 23 Port Sulphur, LA 70083. The visitation will begin at 9 a.m., and the service will begin at 11 a.m. Father Kyle Dave is the celebrant, and entombment will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Church cemetery.
Funeral planning entrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home 9611 La - 23, Belle Chasse, La 70037.
For online condolences please visit www.robinsonfamilyfuneralhome.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Bernadette Williamson Gabriel, please visit our floral store.