Janell Morefield, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on June 20, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on July 1, 1944, in Huntsville, Alabama, she was the eldest of eight children to Claude Iven Gates and Emily Methra Carroll. After living in Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Houston, Janell made her home in Sugar Land, Texas, for the past 42 years.
Janell pursued her education with dedication, attending Risen School, Huntsville High School, the University of Alabama—Birmingham, and the University of Ottawa. She earned a Diploma in Nursing in 1965, a Certificate in Anesthesia in 1970, and a Bachelor of Arts in 1978. Her professional life was marked by her faithful service as a nurse and later as a nurse anesthetist, a career she retired from in 1990 after 25 years, following a courageous battle with stomach cancer.
In her retirement, Janell remained active in her community and church, participating in numerous ministries including the Second Mile Ministry, Moms in Touch, Aggie Moms, and playing piano at the Greatwood Nursing Facility. A longtime member of Sugar Creek Baptist Church, she dedicated much of her time to women’s Bible studies and other church activities. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was known for her daily devotions with Our Daily Bread and Bible reading. She was also a cherished member of the "shower queens," a group of friends who celebrated life's milestones together.
Janell is preceded in death by her father Claude Iven Gates, mother Emily Methra Carroll, infant brother and sister twins, sister Brenda Gail Gates, sister-in-law Sheila Gates, and brothers-in-law Eddie Miles and Don Hill.
She is survived by her son Bradley, daughter-in-law Amy, and granddaughters Lizzy and Emily Morefield of Spring, Texas; her son David Morefield of Houston, Texas; and her grandson Caleb Morefield of Sugar Land, Texas. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Gary and Ann Gates of Huntsville, Alabama, Tim and Bonnie Gates of Port Charlette, Florida, Paul Gates of Huntsville, Alabama, Dehaan and Jamie Gates of Huntsville, Alabama, and Mark Gates of Huntsville, Alabama, her sisters Kay Miles and Claudia Hill, both of Huntsville, Alabama, and her former sister-in-law Eleanore and brother-in-law Tom Niccoli of Pasadena, Texas. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Throughout her life, Janell was surrounded by special friends, including Lynn McCaslin, Marit Hatfield, Jan Curry, Lynelle Eddins, and Talulah Ruger. Her grandson, Caleb Morefield, shared a special bond with her, providing care and companionship in her final years.
Janell Morefield's legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith will be cherished by all who knew her. Her life was a testament to her honest and loyal spirit, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community.
