Tina Bess Gockel

On Thursday, February 16th, 2023, Tina Bess Hubbard Gockel of Gadsden, Alabama passed from this realm to the next. Preceding her in death are her father, Carl Hubbard Sr., her mother, Winona Harriet Hubbard, and her brother Carl “Rusty” Hubbard Jr. Tina was born at Maxwell Airforce Base in Montgomery, Alabama in September 1956. She spent her early life living in different states across the country until her father’s retirement in Gadsden, Alabama where she would attend high school. A graduate of Birmingham Southern College and the University of Houston, Tina’s passions and talents carried her across the world. She was involved with movie making, choreography, fitness, and theater. Her professional talents would eventually bring her to Germany, where she met her husband, Bernie Gockel, and started a family, including her son, Lucas Carson Gockel, daughter, Antonia Jean Gockel, and a menagerie of pets too numerous to name. Her professional talents put her in contact with several famous stars. After living far away from home for many years, Tina returned to Gadsden, Alabama where she brought her talents for the dramatic arts to Gadsden State Community College, Snead State Community College, and The Theater of Gadsden. She is fondly remembered by her students, actors, and peers whom would regularly gather at her home to work on up-coming productions, many of whom became close friends of the family. With no shortage of love, pride, and dedication, she guided her children to become independent and responsible adults, who will greatly miss the presence of such a loving mother. One of Tina’s great passions was for animals, especially dogs. It was rare for her to not be surrounded by the love and adoration of furry friends who had been abandoned by others. Her heart could not endure an animal’s suffering, and so her home was frequently filled with the sounds of excited paws following her every step. In particular, she became dedicated to rescuing a Dachshund-mix named Fritz, and the two became inseparable. Surely they will be reunited. Tina also had a deep interest in British history and culture and voraciously consumed books and documentaries on the topic and greatly enjoyed her visits to The United Kingdom. Throughout her life, Tina counted many friends of different cultures, faiths, and races and saw past those differences to establish life-long bonds across the world. Tina also had a passion for fitness and even as the gears of time wore on, Tina could be found kayaking, riding her bicycle, or joining group exercises. She lived a full life, having visited and lived in interesting places and met interesting people, her stories are too plentiful to be recounted here. Tina passed surrounded by her loving family, who gathered to be by her side on her final journey. She is survived by her husband, two children, two dogs, Jack and Cleo, and many friends. Her presence will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she was a part of. The Memorial Service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Gadsden, AL on Saturday, February 25th, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Humane Society in order to honor her deep affection for animals in need of love, (https://hsprac.harnessapp.com/wv2/donate) Etowah Memorial Chapel Directing

Tina Bess Gockel

September 12, 1956 - February 16, 2023