Gaynell Rousell Brent

Gaynell Rousell Brent, affectionately called "TOO-TOO", was born on November 6, 1939, and entered into eternal rest on November 18, 2025. She is survived by her son Reverend William Brent, Jr. (Jai) and daughter Bridgette Brent Frick (Darril, Jr.) as well as her sister Eugenie R. Jackson. She was also the guardian of her nephew Claude A. Wilson and niece Evangelyn Wilson Caldwell. Gaynell was the ninth of ten children born to the union of the late Ulmont B. Rousell, Sr. and Ada M. Rousell. She was preceded in death by her siblings; Ulmont B. Rousell, Jr., Edwin B. Rousell, Sr., Roudolph B. Rousell, Sr., Leonard B. Rousell, Irving B Rousell, Dorothy Rousell, Anita Rousell Lewis, and Gwendolyn Rousell Love. Gaynell accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized by the late Reverend Crispus S. Gordon, Sr. at the First African Baptist Church of the 6th District. As an ardent worker for the Lord, under the leadership of the Rev. Gordon, Sr. Gaynell served as the Director of the Youth Department, a Sunday School teacher, Baptist Training Union and Vacation Bible School teacher. She was a member of the Senior Choir and Gospel Chorus, whereby she sang with her strong alto voice. While serving in the Master's Vineyard, Gaynell was a biblical scholar who dedicated herself to the teaching arms of the church as a committed member of Bible Study Class. Sister Gaynell demonstrated and exercised stewardship until she was called to be with the Lord. Educated in the New Orleans Public Schools, she was a graduate of Walter L. Cohen High School, class of 1957. She furthered her education and received her Bachelor's, Master's, and advanced studies from Xavier University of New Orleans. After graduation she joined the staff of Xavier and taught Health and Physical Education. Following her tenure at Xavier, she was employed by the New Orleans Public School System as an elementary and pre-kindergarten teacher for thirty plus years. During her career as a teacher, she was featured on the local news for her accomplishments with young children as well as other accolades. She was active in her community with the city's youth. She served as a referee and coach for volleyball and other sports with the New Orleans Recreation Department (N.O.R.D.). Gaynell was a stern, yet loving person, who was truly a God-fearing Christian Woman with a jovial heart. She had a rich heritage and life and was supported by her awesome village. Members of First African Baptist Church (Old Baptist), the pastor and members of Pure Light Missionary Baptist Church, Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, leadership and staff of Total Community Action, Inc., Walter L. Cohen Classes of 1957 and 1979, members of McDonogh 35 Class of 1981, friends from Dillard University and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (NOA), staff of Fleur De Lis and Memorial DaVita Centers and the staff of Passages Hospice Services are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service for Gaynell Rousell Brent at Pure Light Missionary Baptist Church located at 3944 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., New Orleans Louisiana 70125 on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. visitation from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Dr. Andre Sigler (Host Pastor), Rev. William Brent, Jr. officiating (Pastor of First African Baptist Church). Interment: Mount Olivet Mausoleum, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave. New Orleans, La. 70122. Gaynell will be sorely missed by her children, sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of many loving relatives and friends. Funeral Arrangements Entrusted To Estelle J. Wilson Funeral Home, Inc. 2715 Danneel Street, NOLA 70113. Information: (504) 895-4903