Gabriel Barrientos

Gabriel Barrientos, born on June 9, 2015, in Dallas, Texas, passed away on January 20, 2026. He was a resident of Garland, Texas. Gabriel was a kind-hearted, gentle, and cherished young boy whose life touched many.

Gabriel was a beloved fourth-grade student at Solar Prep for Boys, where he began his educational journey and remained throughout his schooling. He loved his school community and left a lasting impression on his teachers and classmates through his kindness, joy, and gentle heart.

Gabriel was a precious gift from God and the center of his mother, Josefa Garcia's, world. He was deeply loved by his siblings, Fidel and Hannah Sophia Castillo, and cherished by his grandmother, Elia. His uncles, Daniel, David, and Abel, along with his cousins, Noah and Mathew Garcia, also held him dear. Gabriel’s life was full of family, faith, and immense love.

Through volunteering at Buckner International, Gabriel learned the importance of kindness, compassion, and helping others. He was part of serving vulnerable children, enriching the lives of senior adults, and supporting strong families through Christ-centered values. These experiences helped shape Gabriel’s gentle heart and his deep care for others.

Gabriel will be remembered for his loving heart, gentle spirit, and the way he demonstrated love through his actions. By nature, he was a giver and found joy in making others feel special. One of the ways Gabriel expressed his love was by drawing pictures and creating handmade cards for those he cared about. These small but meaningful gestures reflected his humble and compassionate heart. Gabriel deeply cared for everyone he knew, treating others with kindness, patience, and respect. His love was sincere, selfless, and pure. Although his time with us was far too short, the love he shared and the kindness he embodied will remain his lasting legacy.

Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has surrounded us with love, prayers, and support during this time. We are especially thankful for our family and the many neighbors in our community who showed up for us in countless ways, reminding us that we were not alone. We hold deep appreciation for the Cortez family, whose love and care meant so much to us. We are forever grateful to Solar Prep for Boys, which was truly Gabriel’s second family. A heartfelt thank you to Principal Martinez, Ms. Lopez, Ms. Garcia, Ms. Hartz, Coach Toopet, and especially Ms. Cervantes, his beloved bus driver, whom Gabriel adored. The entire school community played a special role in shaping and loving Gabriel, and we will always carry that with us.

I would also like to thank my team in the Special Revenue Funds Department and the campuses I serve for their compassion, understanding, and support during this difficult time. Your kindness has meant more than words can express.

“Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 Gabriel's love was pure, his heart was kind, and his joy was a gift to all who knew him. Though we cannot see him, his love will forever surround us and continue to live on through the memories, kindness, and light he shared. My sweet Gabriel, thank you for choosing me to be your mom. You filled my life with love, laughter, and light. I will carry you with me in every step I take until we meet again. I love you forever. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.

As we remember Gabriel, let us honor his life through acts of kindness, love, and compassion. In his short time with us, he taught us the power of a gentle heart. We are grateful to God for the gift of Gabriel’s life and for every moment we were blessed to share with him. May his light continue to shine through the love we give, the joy we share, and the way we care for one another.

Visitation will be held on January 30, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Gonzalez Funeral Home, located at 3050 N Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas, 75247. A graveside service will take place on January 31, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75220.