Mrs. Matt Burt Gabriel

Matt Burt Gabriel, 86, of Henderson passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Friday, November 3rd, 2023. Matt is survived by her loving husband Don Gabriel of Henderson; best friend and daughter Joni Williams and her husband Paul of Frisco; and grandson Chance Williams and his wife Alyson of Fort Worth. She is also survived by her nieces, Dale Burt of Henderson, Debbie Batchelor and husband Ray of Henderson, Suzanne Crim and husband Steve of Whitehouse, and Gina Cryer of Wildwood; brother-in-law Johnnie Brandon of Wildwood; nephews Britt Burt and wife Lisa of Katy, Tommy Burt of Galveston, and Jared Burt and wife Sara of Temple; stepchildren Stan Gabriel and wife Deanne of Lufkin, and Stacie Jordan and husband Scott of Tyler; and sister-in-law Gail Wickstrom of New Mexico; along with step-grandchildren and numerous grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins. Matt is preceded in death by her parents, Ellie Mae and O.F. Burt; her five siblings: Charles Burt, Maxie Burt, Becky King, Jimmy Burt, and Mary Brandon; sister-in-law Mickey Burt, niece Susie King, and nephew Calvin Cryer. Matt was born in Henderson on August 2nd, 1937. She graduated from Henderson High School in 1955 and attended Tyler Commercial College before starting her career with the Henderson Daily Newspaper and later at Pritchard & Abbott. Matt began her long and distinguished tenure at the Rusk County Tax Office on January 1st, 1965, working there for 48 years before her retirement on December 31st, 2012. She served as the Rusk County Tax Assessor-Collector for 20 of those years, holding the office from 1993-2012. During this time Matt also worked as a proofreader for her friend and shorthand reporter John Foster, and in the office at the Ballow Brothers Car Auction. Matt was a beloved member of the Rusk County and Henderson communities. Among the many organizations to which she belonged include the Kiwanis Club, the Women’s Forum, and the First Baptist Church of Henderson, where she was a member of the church choir and Jackie Legg’s Sunday school class. Matt married Don Gabriel on March 29th, 2008, at a beautiful ceremony held at the First Baptist Church. Matt was very proud that she was able to spend the final 14 years of her life living with Don on the same farm on which she was born and raised with her five siblings. The Burt family was a tight-knit group, and Matt cherished her childhood memories growing up in Henderson with her loving parents and siblings. Matt put her faith, family, and friends at the forefront of her life. Her family will always remember her humility, devotion, selflessness, and quick wit. In a world where many are quick to force their opinions and beliefs upon others, Matt instead led quietly by example. Her character and attitude were an inspiration to those around her. Matt was exceedingly proud of her Rusk County roots and the friendships that she forged over her many years as a public servant and member of the community. Her bright and loving smile, kind words, and witty sense of humor will be missed by all of those who knew her. Matt’s family will receive family and friends at a service held in her honor on Wednesday, November 8th at 11am at the First Baptist Church of Henderson. The service will be officiated by Pastor Jared Burt and Dr. David Higgs. The family will afterward receive friends in the Mall area at the church. Pallbearers will be Britt Burt, Ray Batchelor, Steve Crim, Brandon Crim, Casey Crim, and Colby Crim. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Henderson at 207 West Main St, Henderson, TX 75652, the Millville Cemetery Foundation at PO Box 972, Henderson, TX 75653, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mrs. Matt Burt Gabriel

August 2, 1937 - November 3, 2023