Laura Ann Abrom Gamble, a treasured child of God who dedicated her life, energy, and love to those around her, was born September 9, 1926, in Liberty, Texas to Steven and Bessie Abrom. Laura was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Mary Lee Armelin and Hilda Fifer; brothers, Ruby Cherry and Charles ''Bubba'' Simmons; son, John Francis Gamble; daughter, Thelma Betrice Bell, and grandson, Andre Voshan Gamble.

Laura moved with her siblings to Kerrville after graduating early when she was seventeen because their mother was in the Kerrville Tuberculosis Hospital (now the State Hospital). She soon married Francis Gamble, whom she met while living in Liberty. Francis served in the U. S. Army and they moved to South Carolina, Virginia, and San Antonio before she returned to Kerrville with the kids. He would visit from Virginia while they tried to work things out, but eventually stopped. Laura soon became both mother and father to her kids. She worked two full-time jobs (Peterson Hospital and the Kerrville State Hospital) as she studied via mail earning her LVN Certification. She also did domestic work on days off from her day jobs. Before long she became a Charge Nurse at the State Hospital and gave up her Peterson job. She was a great leader, respected, loved, and befriended by her colleagues. The work was necessary to care for her children in the best way possible.

She modeled and taught her children to work and study hard, be responsible, and serve God and their community. They had to keep the house and yard clean, help each other with homework, keep up their grades, and attend Church. Professor B. T. Wilson would stop by to check on the kids at the house, as he did at all the students' homes at Doyle. He noted that everyone in the Gamble household was around the dining room table studying and doing homework; the older ones helping the younger ones before doing their own schoolwork. He often commented on what he saw and promised to write about it in a book.

After the kids grew older and she worked less, Laura would extend her energies to her neighbors. She was often called "Dorcus" referencing a female disciple of Jesus whose charitable works and helping the poor were noteworthy. Laura would help her neighbors with their health needs, check their blood pressure, prepare hot meals for them, read to them, listen and give helpful advice when needed.

After retiring, Laura continued volunteering at the State Hospital and was voted the Haskell Fine Volunteer of the Year. Until her health began to decline, Laura was very active in the community as a member of the Red Hat Ladies of Distinction. She was also an active member of the Kerr County Extension Education Association for over thirty years. Laura was an active part of the life of Mt. Olive Baptist Church where she was a member for over sixty-five years.

Surviving Laura are nine children: Jesse Gamble (Dianna), Sarah Trotty (Willie), Fred Gamble (BK), Ida Gamble Thompson (Hubert), Mary McKinney, Albert Gamble, Cynthia Gamble, Steven Gamble (Serena) and Stephanie Gamble. Left to cherish her memory are also seventeen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Laura was known by many different names reflecting the many relationships she enjoyed with the people in her life. Laura was especially known for her chocolate ''Goody'' cake, lemon meringue pie, her prowess as a domino player, her skill as a seamstress, her amazing work ethic, and her love for all people. Laura also generously dedicated herself to her church, Mt. Olive Baptist where she wore many hats in her willingness to serve.

She now has earned her eternal rest with her triune God, who surely is saying to her: ''Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done.''

Viewing will be held from 1-8 PM, Friday, January 24, 2025, at Grimes Funeral Chapels.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Grimes Funeral Chapels, with burial to follow at Garden of Memories North Cemetery.

The family would like to give special thanks to Stephanie for the incredible and loving care she provided to Laura over the past five-plus years as mom's primary caregiver. Special thanks also go to her Mt. Olive Baptist Church family for their continued spiritual support and prayers. The family also thanks New Century Hospice for the outstanding support provided by their staff.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Laura's name to Mt. Olive Baptist youth programs, the Doyle Community Center, or the service organization of your choice.

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