Kellie Jeane Gabriel

Kellie Jeane Gabriel, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, finished her earthly race and entered the presence of her Savior on February 16, 2026, at her home after a courageous five-year battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1966 to Barbara (Tyson) Withers and the late Albert Dan Tyson, Kellie was raised with a strong work ethic and a deep love for family. She attended Tampa Bay Technical School before graduating from Zephyrhills High School in 1984.

Kellie’s career in insurance began as a file clerk, working alongside her mother in personal lines. Through determination, intelligence, and genuine leadership, she advanced into commercial lines, serving as Team Lead/Senior Account Executive before ultimately rising to Director of Operations. Her career included tenures with J&H/Marsh & McLennan Companies, Willis Towers Watson, and most recently Lockton Companies, where she worked until her health required her to step away on long-term disability.

Kellie met the love of her life, Wayne, in 1998 while the two were vacationing separately at the beach. Months later, a conversation at a housewarming party sparked a love story that would last a lifetime. They were married on August 25, 2001, in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, and built a life rooted in faith, family, and devotion to one another.

Kellie’s greatest joy was her son, Robby Maguire, whom she adored beyond measure. She embraced Wayne’s son, Spence Gabriel, with the same steady love and devotion, cherishing her role in his life. Among her most treasured roles was being “Grandma Kellie” to her twin grandchildren, Emmy and Max. Nothing brought her more delight than time spent with them. The twins are also lovingly cared for by their mother, Larissa Maguire.

She had a soft spot for furry friends and could never resist feeding a critter — two-legged or four-legged — with “hungry eyes.” Her nurturing spirit extended naturally to everyone around her.

An active member of Fair Haven Baptist Church and an Auxiliary member of The Gideons International, Kellie lived out her faith quietly but faithfully. She loved gardening, camping, and beach vacations with her family, and was known for always winning at putt-putt golf, the basketball arcade game, and the family C-L-R card game. Though a pescatarian, she became well known for cooking meat dishes for her family with care and excellence — once again feeding those “hungry eyes.”

Kellie will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering love. We could not have asked for a better daughter, sister, wife, Mizom, or Grandma Kellie. 

She will be missed every day, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Kellie was preceded in death by her father, Albert Dan Tyson, and her sisters, Kimberly Peterson and Shawnelle Tyson. She is survived by her husband, Wayne Gabriel; her mother, Barbara (Tyson) Withers; her sister, Sue Little (the late Brian Little); her brother, Chip Tyson (Michelle); her son, Robby Maguire; and her stepson, Spence Gabriel.

A Service of Worship and Thanksgiving for the Life of Kellie will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Fair Haven Baptist Church, 34927 Eiland Blvd., Zephyrhills, FL 33541. A Committal Service at the graveside will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Oakside Cemetery, 5301 1st St., Zephyrhills, FL 33542. A Reception will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 5th Ave., Zephyrhills, FL 33542.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hodges Funeral Home.

In keeping with the theme of her life:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center, Florida Cancer Specialists, or The Gideons International.