Gabrielle Victorine Defoe George, age 83, affectionately known as “Gaboo,” passed away in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 30, 2022, following a brief illness.
Gabrielle was born in Anse Madame, Shoelcher, Martinique, on March 24, 1939, to Tina Defoe and Leon Placid. She grew up on the island of Dominica where she gained her primary education and helped her mother in managing a small country shop. She eventually migrated to and has been a resident of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for over 50 years.
On St. Thomas, Gabrielle was gainfully employed in various capacities including work as a sales assistant at Inter-Island Department Store. Until her retirement at age 70, she was a supervisor at Caribbean Yacht Charters (CYC).
She enjoyed singing and had once entertained the thought of moving to Paris to develop her skills as a singer. However, her passion as a family person kept her close to home, eventually starting her own family. But her beautiful voice was never silenced as she loved to sing in school, church and wherever she could lend her voice. She enjoyed traveling, especially to visit friends and family throughout the Caribbean as well as in Florida. Gabrielle was an avid storyteller and enjoyed watching and keeping abreast of news, especially nightly news and news from her native Dominica.
Gabrielle was a loving mother to her eight children and a very generous and loyal friend, opening her home and kitchen to any who came by. She will be greatly missed, and her memories will be cherished forever.
Gabrielle is survived by her daughters: Fredine Sorrel, Ivinia George-Henderson, Delitta George; sons: Rolland George, Philbert George, Auguiste George and Heath Corriette; daughters-in-law: Alicia George, Harriet Tull-George and Patricia Jackson-George; and sons-in-law: Henri Sorrel, Cromwell A. Henderson III and Donahue Stephenson.
She is also survived by granddaughters: Diana Milon, Veronique George, Ayanna George Fox (Benjamin), Chantell Victorine Henderson, Chenell Gabrielle Henderson, Kerrine George, Karlyn Merchant (Causton), Aaliyah George and Amara Stephenson; and grandsons: Kevin George, Kirwin George, Dominick George (Jasmine), Dietrich George, Cromwell Henderson II and Rodrick George.
Other survivors include great-grandchildren: Sephora Mann, Naomi Mann, Terrance F. George, Sadie George, Kayden Merchant, Kaaliyah George, Jada Cecelia Drummer, Jayce George, Carter George, Benjamin Fox Jr., Kante Jackson and Kahm Frederick; brother, Leon Placid II; sisters-in-law: Ursuline George, Ivinia George and Judith Placid; nieces: Janet Placid, Anne Placid Martin, Naomi Leatham, Ilva Defoe and Merella Dorival; and nephews: Ian G. Placid, Dwight Leatham, Dorian Leatham, Ederson Defoe and Kendall Defoe.
She also leaves to mourn many other family members and friends too numerous to mention.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral service on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Bovoni Baptist Church in Bovoni, St. Thomas, USVI. The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service to follow at 10 a.m. Interment will be at noon at Eastern Cemetery in Smith Bay.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit our website at www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com
