Inell Gunnell

Published 4:53 pm Wednesday, June 4, 2025

June 20, 1932 – June 1, 2025

NATCHEZ – Inell Gunnell, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, loving sister, and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side at the age of 92. A lifelong beacon of strength, style, and spirit, Inell lived each day with faith in her heart, a smile on her face, and love for everyone she met.

Born on June 20, 1932, to Martin King and Elsie Lambert King, Inell was a proud member of Immanuel Baptist church and a true woman of God. Her faith guided her life and relationships, and her heart for service was evident in the way she cared for others. She never met a stranger. Whether it was visiting friends in need – at home, in the hospital, or in nursing homes – Inell was always there with her vibrant energy and comforting presence.

Inell married the love of her life on July 29, 1950, and together they shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family until he went to be with the Lord in 1992. She never remarried – her heart belonged to him only.

Known for her signature, fiery, red hair and sassy attitude, Inell embraced life with joy and style. She was a fashionista long before the word became popular – her makeup was always done, her outfits always sharp, and her smile always radiant. Her CB handle back in the day, “The Red Flash,” perfectly captured her vibrant personality and joyful spirit for staying connected with others.

Inell worked hard throughout her life, spending 18 years at JCPenney and an incredible 43 years at Browning Oil Tools, retiring only 2 years ago. She was an avid bowler for over 60 years, proudly earning the title of State Singles Bowling Champion in 1997.

She was the proud matriarch of a large and loving family. Her pride and joy were her seven girls – two daughters, two granddaughters, and three great-granddaughters, and later in life, her two great-great-grandsons whom she adored with all her heart. When her two boys finally came along, four and five years ago, her heart only grew bigger.

Inell never slowed down. She was happy-go-lucky, always on the go, full of laughter, and endlessly generous with her time and love. She was the friend you could always count on, the light in the room, and the strong woman at the center of her family. To know her was to love her – and to be loved by her was a gift.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe Harvey Gunnell; one sister, Olean Rabb; two brothers, Barney and Pat King; and a special sister-in-law, Jeweline King.

She is survived by her two daughters, Belinda Gunnell Hopkins and Jan Gunnell Smith (Jack), two granddaughters, Candi Morgan Thomas (Bill) and Jodi Garrison Breckenridge (Kyle), three great-granddaughters, Morgan Thomas Shepard (Chance), Mackenzie Thomas (Chris Gabriele), and Aubrey Anne Breckenridge, two great-great-grandsons, Lincoln Chance Shepard and Cannon Cole Shepard; two step-granddaughters, Deborah Rogers (Paul) and Shelley Smith-Varnado and four step-grandchildren, Jack Rogers, Randy Rogers, Colton Perrin, and Vivian Varnado; two sisters, Alteen Tanksley and Doris Smith (Johnny); one brother, Holton King; three sisters-in-law, Sissy King, Janie King, and Jimmie Sistrunk, two special nieces, Diane McElroy and Peggy Jones, and a special nephew, Greg Rutland. She was blessed with numerous other nieces and nephews. Her special lifelong friends, Nell Williams, Betty Herrington, Jessie Carlisle, and also her friends who are no longer with us: Sarah Grace Davis, Dot Thomae, Barbara Ransom, Tilda Young, and Kathleen Wheeler.

She leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, laughter, and faith. Her family and friends will carry her memory forward in every smile, every act of kindness, and every stylish outfit.

Pallbearers will be Delvis Dees, Conner Johnson, Jerry Wallace, Mike Ratliff, Wayne Jones, and Tommy McElroy. Honorary pallbearers are Hayden White and Rusty Anders.

We wish to thank Tracy, Amy, and Amanda at Enhabit Home Health and Hospice for taking such great care of our sweet mother.

Visitation will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 6 until 8 p.m., and the funeral will be at the church on Friday, June 6, 2025, at noon, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the service time with Bro. Dillon Wickliffe officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home.