Iris Lynette Gamble

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we gather to celebrate the beautiful life and enduring legacy of Iris Lynette Gamble, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Born on April 19, 1968, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Iris was the cherished daughter of the late Oscar L. and Mamie L. Black Gamble. She attended North West High School, where she first began cultivating her bold personality and love for people. In her adult life, she moved to Mansfield, Ohio, to be near her parents and made it her home. Recently, Iris returned to her roots in Indianapolis, bringing her warmth and laughter with her.

Iris was a radiant spirit whose life was filled with passion, family, and faith. She believed in Jesus Christ and lived with a heart rooted in kindness and generosity. She loved to cook—her meals were more than food; they were expressions of love. She also had a true passion for sports, especially football and basketball, and could hold her own in any sports debate or game-day celebration.

Her family was her greatest joy. Iris loved her children with a fierce, unwavering devotion, and she lit up around her grandchildren. Whether she was cracking a joke, dancing in the kitchen, or simply sitting and listening, Iris made everyone feel seen, heard, and deeply loved. She was funny, spontaneous, and had a sweet, vibrant spirit. She could turn an ordinary moment into one filled with laughter, and she never met a stranger.

Iris’s favorite color was lavender, a shade as soft and graceful as her presence. Fittingly, her favorite flower was the iris—a bloom that symbolizes wisdom, hope, and faith, all qualities she carried within her.

On Monday, May 26, 2025, at the age of 57, Iris Lynette Gamble was called home to be with the Lord. Though she has departed this world, her essence, laughter, and love live on in the lives she touched.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted son, Walter Lamont Gamble of Mansfield, and three loving daughters, Sophia N. Nicks of Marysville, Ohio, and Kendra R. Gamble and Jazmine L. Stewart, both of Indianapolis. Her legacy continues through her nine precious grandchildren: J’San Gladney, J’Vion Gladney, J’Zion Stewart, Mikayla Nicks, Mikel Nicks, Samara Adkins, Sean Gamble, Skyler Gamble, and Torraye Banks.

Iris is also survived by one beloved sister, Ileen (Steven) Warfield of McDonough, GA; eight brothers: Oscar L. Gamble Jr., Odis L. (Tracey) Gamble, Dale A. Gamble, Herbert James (Kimberly) Gamble, Donald L. Gamble, David L. Gamble, Dwayne A. Gamble, all of Indianapolis, and Mark A. Gamble of Forest Park, GA. She is also remembered by her uncle Charles Black Sr. and aunts Bertha Gamble Taylor and Deloris Black, along with nieces, nephews, Dale Gamble Jr., Diandra Gamble, Nicole Gamble, Deon Gamble, Stephen Warfield Jr., Reginald Warfield, Diamond Gamble, Ashley Gamble, Deshawn Gamble, Anthony Gamble, Mark Gamble Jr, Ryan Gamble, Danyell Matthew, and Tapaji Hill.

If Iris could speak to us now, she would say: “Thank you. Thank you for your love, your support, and your prayers. Know that I loved you all more than words could ever say.”

Her family hopes Iris will be remembered for her caring heart, her deep love for family, and her ability to bring joy and laughter into every room. She was truly a light in this world, and though her earthly journey has ended, her light will never fade.

Rest well, Iris. You were a blessing to us all.