Nelle Marie Gurubel

Nelle Marie Leonard Gurubel passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Nelle was born in Columbiana, Alabama in her grandparents’ home on March 9, 1938, to her parents Maude Howard and James Leonard of Columbiana. Nelle had one sibling, a younger brother, named Jim Leonard. A visitation will be held at Bolton Funeral Home on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 9:00 AM. A graveside service will follow at 10:00 AM. Pastor Kurt Horting is presiding. Nelle will be laid to rest in Columbiana City Cemetery. Nelle grew up in Bessemer, Alabama attending Brighton Jr. High School, graduating from Hueytown High School in 1956. She attended Southeastern Bible College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Theology with honors in 1960. While attending Southeastern Bible College, during her sophomore year, Nelle met Elias Gurubel. They had an instant connection, deciding to get married after one date! Following their graduation they married on July 24, 1960. They were faithfully married for sixty-three years, having two children, David and Beth Gurubel. Nelle and Elias began a legacy here, later seeing off their children, son-in-law and granddaughter all to graduate, also becoming alumni of Southeastern Bible College. Nelle was always active in the lives of her children and her community. Nelle was involved in Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and served as Den Mother and Boy Scout Mom Leader. She also served as the President of the PTA at Central Park, Brown School and Ramsay High School, being awarded a Life Membership to the Alabama State PTA. She and Elias both served fifteen years on the Board of Birmingham Community Schools. Nelle was an avid baker, making birthday and wedding cakes for the people she loved. She taught piano for years to students out of her home known for having a revolving door allowing people in her home to teach and create either something delicious or something soulful. One of Nelle’s greatest joys in life was spending time and entertaining her eleven grandchildren. She always created warmth around a table with a special tea party, sharing jokes and endless stories. She shared her faith, her baking, and sewing with all of them. Reverend Elias and Nelle were dedicated to serving the Lord through pastoring, teaching, playing music, and mentoring young people. They faithfully served churches across the state of Alabama including the congregations of Acmar Methodist, Overton Methodist, Short Creek Methodist, Bayview Methodist, Denman Memorial Methodist Church, and Vinesville Baptist Church. Nelle played the piano and organ at almost all of these churches. Nelle’s truly gifted passion was her dedication and loving service to Wonder Book Camp. She began attending WBC in 1959 while Catherine Binzel was directing and later took over this role as director in 1976. Her chosen lifelong work which brought light to her life in so many ways. An opportunity to create a special week for children and teenagers, a curated time of special speakers and teachers, and an endless work of stirring up late-night games, camp pranks, and skits. Most importantly, offering so many people an opportunity to hear about the Word of God and His goodness through people and presence. She would never let a camp pass without a hand-designed and decorated banquet evening taking time to honor each person who served and each person who attended WBC. Nelle and Elias faithfully directed WBC together and served from 1959 until its closure in 2023. Over those sixty-four years of dedication she served as a Counselor, Mentee to Catherine Benzel, Camp Director, on the Board of Trustees, teacher, mentor, prayer warrior, and as all campers remember fondly, the best prankster and director of games! Her work extends over decades to numerous children, teens, and adults who have all been shaped and impacted in loving ways by knowing, sitting and praying with Nelle. She was known for her willingness to drop everything to take a phone call with you, and to be the first to open up her home for a meal together. She wanted to know what was happening in the lives of those she loved, encouraging everyone to read their Bible (or “your five minutes” for the King’s Readers) and was always expected to ask that familiar question, “are you coming to camp?!” Nelle leaves behind a legacy of purpose, passion and love for the Lord and those around her. Her calling to the Kingdom of God was evident. She pointed everyone around her to their greater calling as well. We are blessed to have known her while she enjoyed life on earth before her Heavenly journey. She will be missed but always remembered dearly by her children, David Gurubel, daughter-in-law Tina Gurubel, daughter Beth Gurubel Horting, and son-in-law Kurt Horting, as well as her eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren (and counting!) and many dear friends. Notes of memories, words of love, or sympathy for Nelle can be mailed to the family: 5513 Ave P, Birmingham, AL 35208 Or shared on the Wonder Book Camp Facebook page.

Nelle Marie Gurubel

March 9, 1938 - November 26, 2024