Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — A cherished and popular local marketing leader has passed. Gabrielle Barnett Hunt touched thousands of lives in the Gulf Shores market, leaving each with a sense of positive energy. In a world of fake influence, she always stood out with genuine care for her community and friends.

For more than 20 years Lucy Buffett and Gabby built the events and message of LuLu's. It is an honor to print Lucy's tribute to her dear friend:

This is a hard one. The LuLu’s Family has lost one of our most dynamic and indominable team members and I have lost a cherished friend. Gabrielle Barnett Hunt moved on from this world leaving all of us who loved and worshiped her (she would love the worship part), feeling completely untethered and so very saddened by the loss of this woman who was nothing short of a force of nature.

I am sending so much love to her husband, Dennie, her mother, Eva, and her father, Joe and last but not at all least, (and she would let you know that), her baby dog, Cookie! Along to all of the LuLu’s family and her legion of friends and admirers. (She would really love the admirers’ part!)

Gabby worked with me for 22 years. Her spirit will always live within what I call the foundational blocks of LuLu’s that are responsible for its phenomenal success. My life and office and home and travels are drenched with memories of our journey together. We taught each other so much and had a running joke.

I would leave on a trip and come back and say, “I’m surprised the sign on the top of the building doesn’t read: “Gabby’s Sunset Grill!” She would laugh and remark, “Ha! I am too smart to do that!” She was happy to stay in charge and let my name stay on the building. We often laughed and acknowledged that we were all “working for Gabby.”

Today, there are no words to express our deep loss. But there will be as the days roll on – more words, more tears, and more memories, more great stories and mainly, so much laughter shared by Gabby’s family, co-workers friends, and fan club! (She would adore the fan club part!) Because you could not be in a room with her for long before she had you laughing. That is one of the most precious legacies a person can leave.

To my darling friend, I know you are still here in my heart and in all the laughter and joy you brought to my life. I will be listening for you in the whispers, and we will dance together in the ethers one day. Fly free, baby!

Gumbo love, Lucy