Leora Adelle “Dill” Gilbreath, 97, formerly of Santa Anna, passed away with grace and peace on February 6, 2010. Services will be at 2:00PM Friday February 12 at Davis-Morris Funeral Home, 800 Center Avenue, Brownwood, Texas, with Ted Kell officiating. Burial will be in Coleman City Cemetery following the services.
Leora Adelle Gilbreath was born December 17, 1912 in Shields, Texas to Hugh and Alice Murrell. She married William Byron Gilbreath on November, 15 1934. Byron and Adelle were married 57 years before his death. They moved to Amarillo in 1966 and lived there for 10 years before moving back to Santa Anna in 1976 when Byron retired from Amarillo College. She was a skilled seamstress and worked for Drapery Magic when in Amarillo. Adelle was a member of the Church of Christ. She served the Lord with all her heart and lived her life accordingly to His word. She comforted those who needed it, loved those who wanted it, hugged those who could use a hug, and laughed with those who were laughing. She loved music and singing hymns in the church. She was a cherished mother and grandmother, and will be missed by her children, grandchildren and all who knew her. Those who knew her will remember her for her gentleness, loving heart, subtle words of wisdom and unbelievable strength in her life’s many challenges.
The family would like to express special thanks to the Care Nursing Facility and Hospice in Brownwood for the wonderful care and compassion given to Adelle.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Byron “Lefty” Gilbreath; her parents and all her siblings, including four brothers, her twin Eldred Murrell, Hubert Murrell, Pete Murrell and Auby Murrell; and three sisters, Bonnie McDonald, Ima Cobb and Louise Davis; and son-in-law Mickey Bixler.
Survivors include her children; two daughters, Beverly Day and husband Bill of Brownwood; Sharon Bixler Mears and husband Mike of Amarillo; and one son, James Byron Gilbreath of Christoval. Her six grandchildren, Jody Day and wife Vanessa, Terry Day, Jenifer Staggs and husband Robby, Bradley Bixler, Cody Gilbreath and wife Amy, Keith Gilbreath and wife Cindy, and seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Messages may be left for the family at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com