Gabrielle Cumbee Montgomery

Relatives and friends of Gabrielle are invited to attend her Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home, 7113 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 3 p.m. and a reception in the gathering hall on site after the service.

Gabrielle was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on March 6, 1966. She was the daughter of George Martin Cumbee and Joan Marie Stranko Cumbee.

Gabrielle grew up in Goose Creek, South Carolina, where she attended Goose Creek High School and graduated in 1984. Over the years, she also called St. Mary's, Georgia, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, home before returning to the Charleston area in 2007.

Above all else, Gabrielle loved her family. Being a mother to her son, Zachery “Zack” Rion Montgomery, was one of the greatest joys of her life, and Zack was truly her pride and joy. She treasured the people closest to her and was a loyal and wonderful friend to many throughout her life. Gabrielle knew how to enjoy life, and she had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit, always finding something to laugh about in everyday life. Journey was her favorite band, and she loved going to concerts. Gabrielle was a lifelong, devoted Clemson Tigers fan, and her love for Clemson became even more special when Zack was accepted to Clemson University. The day he received his diploma was a moment of tremendous pride and celebration for Gabrielle. For a mom whose greatest joy was her son, seeing Zack become a Clemson Tiger was something that meant the world to her.

For 18 years, Gabrielle worked at AM Conservation Group as a Senior Operations Program Coordinator, where she became affectionately known as “The Kitting Queen.” She took pride in her work and in the relationships she built along the way.

Those who knew Gabrielle will especially remember her caring heart. She was kind, generous, and always looking for an opportunity to help someone else. Her compassion extended to animals, as well, particularly her beloved rescue beagles, Ruby and Pearl, who could always count on plenty of hugs and affection from her.

Gabrielle shared 25 years of her life with her life partner, Jeff Lentini. Together, in Virginia Beach then in Hanahan, they built a life filled with family, memories, friendship, and love. They both attended Calvary Chapel, where they were welcomed with warmth, kindness, and friendship, finding a caring community that made them feel truly at home.

She is survived by her life partner of 25 years, Jeff Lentini; her beloved son, Zachery Rion Montgomery; her brothers, George “Marty” Cumbee, Toby Cumbee and his wife, Noemi, and Joseph Cumbee; and her sister and one of her very best friends, Roxanne Cumbee.

She is also survived by her nephew, Toby “Patrick” Cumbee and his wife, Crystal, and their son, Jasper; her niece, Katie McLemore, her husband, Devin, and their son, Miles; and her stepdaughters, Kaley Lentini and Kaitlin Lentini.

Gabrielle was a loving partner, devoted mother, cherished sister and aunt, loyal friend, and an all-around wonderful person who had a way of making life a little brighter and a lot more fun. Whether she was helping someone in need, sharing a laugh, listening to music, loving on Ruby and Pearl, or simply spending time with the people she loved most, Gabrielle gave her whole heart. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will love and miss her always.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift dedicated in the memory of Gabrielle Montgomery to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital for “Children’s Health - Cancer Care and Research” or to Amedisys Hospice in Charleston, who cared for Gabrielle so well.

Arrangements by CAROLINA Memorial Funeral Home, 7113 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406.