Gabriel Jacob Kirkland

August 18, 2013 - April 19, 2019
Gabriel Jacob Kirkland

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Gabriel Jacob Kirkland, born August 18, 2013, in Hickory, NC to Russell Rashim and Kempie O’Leary Kirkland passed on from this world to the next on April 19, 2019 at 1700.

He attended Codington Elementary. Gabriel loved rainbows, Legos, art and puppies, but disliked teasing, bullies and “bad guys.” He wanted to do anything and be everything. He loved his family times infinity and would name each person in almost every prayer. He strove to make a friend at every opportunity with an open heart and a smile. He always considered the feelings of others, showing concern for them even when he was suffering. He will be missed by everyone who had the blessing of making his acquaintance and many that he never met but followed his long battle online. He was a living example of Jesus’ pure love. He was an awesome son, an outstanding brother, the coolest cousin and a perfect grandson. Gabriel filled hearts with laughter and joy everywhere he went for five and a half years, and his strength and character supported us while he battled for his life for the last three years.

There will be a memorial service for Gabriel at Halyburton Park in the Event Center on May 5, 2019. The time will be announced at a later date.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the ” Post a Condolence ” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403


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  • April 24, 2019
    Rita Harmon lit a candle:
    Lit since April 24, 2019 at 4:56:34 PM

  • April 24, 2019
    Trish O’Leary says:
    I never Gabriel but I feel like I knew him. I followed online and prayed for him often. He was an adorable little boy. He displayed God’s love in all his actions. So sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you.

  • April 24, 2019
    Catherine Locklear says:
    God bless you all, and my God grant you the strength to keep on going thru life. I will keep you in my prayers.

  • April 24, 2019
    Patrick Ellsworth says:
    I met Gabriel as a 1st year fellow and was happy to be part of the Chapel Hill team taking care of him these last few years. Such a sweet, awesome boy! Everyone loved him and will miss him. Even though I never got the Paw Patrol names straight, I will never forget Gabriel and wish you all peace.

  • April 24, 2019
    F L Louise says:
    Losing a loved one is always a difficult thing to bear. But losing a child no words can really relieve your grief. Praying that you are comforted by God's promise to wipe all tears from our eyes and death, morning, outcry and pain will become a thing of the past as God has promised that the last enemy death is to be brought to nothing, 1 Corinthians 15:26, Revelation 21:4. He has also promised a new heavens and new earth where life will be restored to all those who are in his memory, 2 Peter 3:13 and Hosea 13:14. My heartfelt sympathy for little Gabriel.

  • April 24, 2019
    Beth Fullwood says:
    I first met Gabriel through his Tia-Sheri. What an awesome little boy!! We have all learned from this little angel May God bless you and keep you!!

  • April 24, 2019
    Teresa Bazzle says:
    Condolences and prayers to your family. We are all thinking of you.

  • April 24, 2019
    Joe & Louise says:
    Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family ... we will light a candle for Gabriel. God bless your family

  • April 24, 2019
    Janess Burleson says:
    My heart is breaking for all of you. There are no words that can express or provide you enough comfort in days going forward. I will pray that all of you find some peace and strength through this difficult time.

  • April 24, 2019
    Marcia Lee Thacker lit a candle:
    Lit since April 24, 2019 at 4:53:03 PM

  • April 24, 2019
    Polly says:
    Russell, Kempie and Robyn - thinking of you during this time and praying for you. Gabriel is a special little boy and he will long be remembered by many!

  • April 24, 2019
    Joe and Sharon Barnard says:
    Thoughts and prayers for the family of Gabriel.

  • April 24, 2019
    Hannah Witherspoon (Dr. Harper’s office) says:
    I never got to meet seeet Gabriel, but he made an impact on me. We prayed for him regularly from the very moment Teri told me in the aisle at Kroger. Larry, Teri, and family, I am so sorry for this difficult loss. What a brave little guy he was. We don’t understand but we know and trust in a God that is Good. He can be trusted and Gabriel is more alive than ever right now. You will see him again. Many blessings to you all❤️

  • April 25, 2019
    Don High lit a candle:
    Lit since April 25, 2019 at 4:15:10 AM

  • April 26, 2019
    Helen Xiao says:
    Sweet, sweet Gabriel. I remember the first time we met, after a few minutes he instantly became my friend. I loved his compassion towards all things and his sweet laugh that could brighten up the entire room. He was a constant joy to be around and visiting him (whether if it was mixing all the colors of the playdough together or playing hide in seek in plain sight) was definitely the highlight of my day. He was a constant example of strength and perseverance. I am so lucky that I had the chance to watch him grow and even master the tricycle. Throughout our time together I learned so much about all the characters of Paw Patrol and to this day when I see Marshall I smile and think of him. He will be missed, but I know he in a better place.

  • April 26, 2019
    Kendra Shade Rudd says:
    Dear Kempie and family, I can’t imagine the heartbreak you must be feeling and there are no words to convey to you that will give you comfort. But I will give you my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. ❤️

  • April 26, 2019
    Annie Stock says:
    I am so sorry that your time with Gabriel was cut short. I am heartbroken for your loss, as a mother and as a friend. I am grateful that you will be reunited with him one day. Blessings of peace and prayers for healing to you all.

  • April 26, 2019
    Joseph Calloway says:
    So sorry for your family's loss, I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.

  • April 29, 2019
    Crystal lit a candle:
    Lit since April 29, 2019 at 4:58:47 PM

  • May 03, 2019
    Danny and Dorene Sciortino says:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  • May 04, 2019
    David says:
    I am so sorry for your loss , Loosing a loved one is traumatic and very difficult. However the Bible says at Rev. 21:4 - “ And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” May the God who gives us this comfort be with the family at this time.

  • May 04, 2019
    Brenda Carroll says:
    My sincere condolences and prayers for the entire family.

  • May 04, 2019
    Brenda Carroll lit a candle:
    Lit since May 4, 2019 at 5:33:50 PM

  • May 20, 2019
    Martha Martin lit a candle:
    Lit since May 20, 2019 at 5:43:48 PM

  • April 23, 2019
    Charlotte & Larry Yates says:
    So sorry for your loss. We loved Gabriel. We looked forward each day to hear about him and to see his videos. He uplifted us. Our loss is Heaven's gain. Love and Prayers to all of his family and friends.

  • April 23, 2019
    Angela Passmore lit a candle:
    Lit since April 23, 2019 at 4:17:19 PM

  • April 23, 2019
    Gigi Kirkland says:
    Gabriel brought a smile to my face every day! and still does. Best grandson a Gigi could ask for. Awesome creative artist, intelligent scholar, practical joker, God loving, family loving, all around amazing little man. Love you forever and always!!!

  • April 23, 2019
    Karleen K Evans lit a candle:
    Lit since April 23, 2019 at 4:00:43 PM

  • April 23, 2019
    Kimberly Gates says:
    While I never got to meet Gabriel, he touched my heart as I have a son of my own. He had a wonderful support system esp Kempie and her parents. Wish you were closer. My deepest prayers and condolences. Gabriel is dancing in heaven pain free! Much love from Kentucky!!

  • April 23, 2019
    Ginger Diamond says:
    My heart goes out to you. So sad to hear of his passing.

  • April 23, 2019
    Ginger Diamond says:
    Deepest sympathy

  • April 23, 2019
    Ginger Diamond says:
    My heart breaks for you. So sad to hear of his passing.

  • April 23, 2019
    Margaret Morrison says:
    Sending my deepest condolences

  • April 23, 2019
    Christopher Barr says:
    Michelle and I hurt for you both. We are praying for you daily.

  • April 23, 2019
    Sara Goodwin says:
    So very sorry for your loss. Gabriel touched many hearts and will never be forgotten.

  • April 23, 2019
    Casie Cutshall and family says:
    Our hearts break with and for you. Sending you all the love.

  • April 23, 2019
    Stephanie Reynolds says:
    I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious child. I hope you find comfort in Jesus words at John 5:28,29. There Jesus promised a resurrection of our loved ones who have passed away. This beautiful hope can sustain us during times of grief. Please accept my condolences.

  • April 23, 2019
    Caryn Collins says:
    From distant family but near to our heart. Peace, love, and comfort from God's heart you yours.

  • April 23, 2019
    Anita lit a candle:
    Lit since April 23, 2019 at 4:10:04 PM

  • April 23, 2019
    Jane says:
    Gabriel did more than touch my heart; he changed it. All of you did. Good Friday will always be more profound because I had the privilege of being part of his care that day. I pray for healing and for peace for all those in his sweet family.

  • April 23, 2019
    Teresa Pridgen says:
    My heart is broken. I never got to meet Gabriel but I looked forward to the updates and videos just to see and hear his voice and laughter. He showed many of how to love by his example. Jama, you know I love you and will continue to pray for you, your son and his precious family.

  • April 23, 2019
    Judy Wolf Gmytruk says:
    Prayers for all the family.

  • April 23, 2019
    Pat Collins Newman says:
    So sorry for your loss. Gabriel touched so many lives.

  • April 23, 2019
    Dr. Weston says:
    Gabriel is truly unforgettable. I feel honored to have taken care of him for the past 3 years, and I know my colleagues agree. With just a few words, he was able to say more than most people say in a paragraph. We will miss him in Chapel Hill.

  • April 23, 2019
    Diane Roberson says:
    My heart broke into the day I found out little Gabriel passed on, but knowing he's not in any more pain and is with Jesus makes things a little brighter. I never knew Gabriel, but he touched so many lives his short 5 years. Praying for strength and comfort for the family.

  • April 23, 2019
    Mary Higgins says:
    Deepest sympathy for you and your family. The loss of a child is the worst pain, may he Rest In Peace

  • April 24, 2019
    Larry O’Leary says:
    Biggest heart I ever knew. True, Pure example every one should be.