Gabriella Alexis Eley

Gabriella Alexis Eley, lovingly known as Gabby, was born on Wednesday, November 3rd, 1993, at 11:41 AM at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Virginia, to her devoted parents, Ronald Latez Eley and Thelma Jean Epps Eley. In 1996, at the tender age of three, Gabby, along with her parents and sister Erin, embarked on a new journey, relocating to Omaha, Nebraska. It was here that she began her early education, attending Pre-K through the beginning of sixth grade in the Omaha Public School system.

In 2005, by God’s grace, the Eley family, now including her younger brother Malcolm, returned to their home state of North Carolina, settling in Hickory. Gabby embraced her faith early in life, becoming a member of Morning Star First Baptist Church in Hickory, North Carolina. There, she actively participated in the Youth Missionary and Youth Choir, finding joy and purpose in serving the Lord. Gabby continued her education in the Hickory City Schools system, graduating from Hickory High School on June 8th, 2012.

Gabriella pursued higher education with determination and passion. She earned an Associate in Applied Science in Photographic Technology from Catawba Valley Community College on May 8, 2015. Through hard work and diligence, she saved her earnings from retail jobs at Steinmart and Mariner Finance, allowing her to achieve her dream of attending the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her perseverance culminated in her earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree on May 7th, 2021.

Following her graduation, Gabby embraced opportunities to grow professionally and personally. She served as a Medical Social Worker at Frye Regional Medical Center and as a Customer Service Representative at Concentrix. In April 2023, she returned to Greensboro, North Carolina, for a new career opportunity at UNC-G and cherished the independence of having her own place. Most recently, in August 2024, Gabby joined the Target family in Greensboro, working as a retail associate in the beauty department. Her colleagues valued her contributions and supported her through her brief illness with care and compassion.

Gabby’s unique qualities made her unforgettable. Her petite stature and the distinctive, beautiful birthmark on her forehead were symbols of her individuality. She was affectionately known as the “Little Big Sister” by her siblings, Erin and Malcolm, who adored her soft heart, radiant smile, and sweet nature. Gabby’s beauty went far beyond her appearance; it shone from the depths of her soul. 

She found joy in creating memories with friends and family, laughing, singing, dancing, and embracing life’s little moments. Her love for adventure took her on travels to Atlanta, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and various states with the Women’s Retreat. Gabby had a talent for discovering and making the most of travel and birthday perks and rewards. Her adventurous spirit, combined with this knack, fueled her love for attending concerts, recreational activities, and free events. She truly knew how to make every dollar count! She embodied forgiveness, generosity, and a free spirit, always cherishing her relationships and valuing the people in her life.

On Friday, November 29th, 2024, in the comfort of her home in Hickory, North Carolina, the Lord called Gabriella Alexis Eley to eternal rest. She left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and joy that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew her.

Gabriella was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Helena Pittman Epps and Raymond Joseph Epps, and her paternal grandparents, Almatie Slaughter Eley and Rency Lee Eley, along with her aunts Wilma Louise Eley Williams, Christine Eley, and Sonji Denise Eley.

She is deeply missed by her loving parents, Thelma Jean Epps Eley and Ronald Latez Eley of Hickory, North Carolina; her sister and best friend, Erin Alethea Eley of Greensboro, North Carolina; and her cherished “big little brother,” Malcolm Isaiah Eley of Hickory, North Carolina.

Gabriella Alexis Eley is lovingly remembered by her devoted parents, Ronald Latez Eley and Thelma Jean Epps Eley of Hickory, North Carolina; her beloved sister and best friend, Erin Alethea Eley of Greensboro, North Carolina; and her cherished “big little brother,” Malcolm Isaiah Eley of Hickory, North Carolina. She also leaves behind her maternal great-great aunt, Eartie Watson of New Jersey; her maternal great aunt, Zenobia Burris of Baltimore, Maryland; and her maternal aunts, Gloria Rooks of Garysburg, North Carolina, and Jeannette Epps, also of Garysburg, North Carolina. Gabby’s paternal family includes her great aunts, Johnsie Mae Daughtry and Hilda Gray Slaughter, both of Ahoskie, North Carolina, and her paternal aunts, Joycelyn Moses (Coley) of Durham, North Carolina; Icy Dora Hedgepeth (Gary) of Ahoskie, North Carolina; and Thennie Speight (Marvin) of Waxhaw, North Carolina. Her maternal uncle, Raymond J. Epps, Jr. (Kim) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and paternal uncles, James Slaughter of San Antonio, Texas; Larry Eley (Evelyn) of Baltimore, Maryland; Rency Eley of Ahoskie, North Carolina; Calvin Eley of Pasadena, Maryland; and Mervin Eley (Tammie) of Durham, North Carolina, also carry her memory forward. Additionally, she is survived by her “special village” of Erin Eley of Greensboro, North Carolina; Sherrone Eley of Kernersville, North Carolina; and Jasmine Issac of Greensboro, North Carolina, along with a host of cousins, extended family members, and cherished friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Gabriella’s “Special Village” includes Erin Eley (Greensboro, North Carolina), Sherrone Eley (Kernersville, North Carolina), Jasmine Issac (Greensboro, North Carolina), and a host of cherished cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Gabby’s radiant light will continue to shine in the lives of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Ms. Eley's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Ms. Gabriella Alexis Eley.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

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