Gabriel Lee Stovall, Sr.

Gabriel Lee Stovall, Sr., 89 of Worcester formerly of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Gabriel's wife of 59 years, Emma Lee (Chavis) Stovall passed away on March 21, 2013. He is survived by three sons, James Stovall and his wife Ellen of Worcester, Elijah Cambra and his wife Lauren of Raleigh, NC, and Gabriel L. "Jody" Sotvall, Jr. and his wife Carol of Worcester; five daughters, Ema Jeana Cambra of Worcester, Muqeedah Salaam of Boston, Lynette Stovall and Tammy Korva Stovall and her husband Thomas all of Raleigh NC and Gabrielle "Buffy" Abdur-Rahim and her husband William of Atlanta, GA; 19 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by a son, Charles Cambra and a daughter, Nicole Channing Stovall as well as six siblings. Gabriel was born in Grandville County, North Carolina, a son of the late John and Nannie (Bullock) Stovall. He graduated from Potter High School in North Carolina where lived until moving to Worcester over 50 years ago. Gabriel worked as a maintenance supervisor for the Worcester Housing Authority for thirty-six years before he retired. He served his country during WWII in the United States Army. Gabriel was one of the founding fathers of Emmanuel Baptist Church where he was a church deacon and loved singing in the church choir. A period of calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Emmanuel Baptist Church, 717 Main St., Worcester with his funeral service immediately following at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Emmanuel Baptist Church, 717 Main St., Worcester, MA. 01610.