Leslie "Robin" Caldwell Gunnels passed away on 6/21/2017, asleep in the comfort of her bed at home.
Robin was born in the spring of April 11, 1969 in Longview, TX to her parents Norma Wayne Litton and Berwice Clifford Caldwell. She was the second born of three children, having an older sister, Shelly Christine Caldwell Jones, and a younger sister Lori Dawn Caldwell.
In 1977, Robin’s family moved to Porter, TX, where she would find and meet many of the people who would
greatly influence her life.
Robin loved learning and appreciated education. She graduated New Caney high school in 1987 and continued on to graduate from Lamar University with a Bachelor's in English. Thought she was first and foremost a mother, she also was a teacher. Robin used her knowledge and degree to serve many teacher positions throughout her life.
Robin’s first husband was her best friend from High School, Ronald Wayne Gunnels Junior, whom she bore 2
children with; Lacey Elizabeth and Cody Cliff Gunnels. Even though they went through a divorce only a few years later, Robin and Ronnie remained good friends. Robin always would joke saying that “even if you love your best friend, you can’t always live with them”.
After moving around exploring the country with her children, Robin eventually moved back to Porter where she
met the love of her life and current Husband, Todd Kevin Gunnels. After a marriage of nearly 20 years, Robin and Todd had 3 beautiful Children; Destiny Jane, Dakota Todd, and Cassidy Raine. Robin also gained a loving
stepdaughter, Miranda Michelle Gunnels, who blessed the family with three adorable grandchildren; Mackenzie, CJ, and Myla.
Out of everything in the world, nothing brought Robin more joy than holding a baby. She loved both her children and grandchildren dearly.
“She really knew how to spoil her grandbabies. I was scared of having a stepmom because of all the horror stories – but man, she knew how to make everything fun and valued her family.” – Miranda
Robin had many interests and hobbies, but by far her favorite was her love for music. She loved to listen to music every opportunity she could, and often turned to it when she was happy, sad, stressed, and just looking to dance.
In recent years, Robin loved to go to concerts with her Daughter Destiny, who also shared a passion for songs.
”Mom was good with words, and good with cooking. She was so supportive of all her kids and she was easy to talk
to. The best comforter. She helped me sneak off to so many concerts because she knew how much we both loved
music. She gave the best hugs too. She was so funny and the most beautiful soul, and I’ll forever cherish it.” –
Destiny
Robin also loved sports. Growing up, she adored the Dallas Cowboys football team and could often be found
cheering on the game in person and on TV. As her children grew up, Robin gave them all opportunities to play
sports and supported their efforts and teams. Cody and Dakota played football and loved the teams, often
cheering with mom when a game was on. Cassidy played Tennis and could always count on mom to make her feel better after a long hard day of practice. Even though Robin wasn’t athletic herself, she was the best cheerleader a player could ask for.
Dakota’s favorite words of wisdom from Robin was “You’ll treat your wife how you treat your mother”, and he
works every day to be respectful of the women in his life.
Robin also loved holidays and special events. She would always obsess over details such as coordinating
decorations, matching outfits for the whole family, and the perfect parties. Sometimes it drove her family crazy
how much she focused on the small details – but no one can deny that she made every event extra special.
Robin also believed in God, and the savior Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, and had a strong testimony that families can live eternally forever– even after death. Though she wasn’t perfect, she strived to constantly be worthy of her savior and include her children in learning about the gospel.
Robin passed away too soon, at the age of only 48 years old.
She will be incredibly missed by her friends and family. Robin firmly believed that this life is temporary and that we will all live eternally together in heaven.
“Death is not forever, it’s a “see ya later”!” – Robin Gunnels