Cela Gomez-Showell

Cela Margarita Gomez-ShowellSeptember 20, 1958 — June 14, 2026

Cela Margarita Gomez-Showell was born on September 20, 1958, in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and raised in Caracas. She first arrived in the United States in 1974, beginning a life that would be defined by education, advocacy, and a deep love of family.

A proud graduate of Bowie High School, Cela went on to earn her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and her master's degree from Trinity University in Washington, D.C. She built a distinguished career as an educator for English language learners in the Prince George's County Public School system. Having immigrated herself, she was a fierce and passionate advocate for immigrants and their rights, and she carried that conviction into every classroom and every life she touched. She retired from teaching in 2025 and embraced her year of retirement with joy.

In May of 1992, Cela married Raymond A. Showell, and in December of 1994 she welcomed her only child and greatest pride, her son Raymond Avery Showell. She treasured her roles as wife, mother, daughter, aunt, and sister-in-law above all else.

Cela found happiness in the everyday things she loved: her dog Duke, gardening in her backyard, photography, and a good stand-up comedy set. An active member of the Longleaf neighborhood in Bowie, she looked forward to her regular trips to Tampa, Florida, to visit her brother David and her mother, Leslie. More than anywhere, she loved the beach — whether the wild shoreline of Assateague in Maryland or the warm sands of Clearwater, Florida.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond A. Showell; her son, Raymond Avery Showell; her mother, Leslie Gomez; and her brothers, David Gomez and Eduardo Gomez. She was preceded in death by her father, David Gomez-Cova, and her older sister, Lilian Decena.

Cela lived by the words she loved best: "Nevertheless, she persisted." And she did — with grace, strength, and an open heart, to the very end.

Services will be held at Sacred Heart Parish at the Chapel on July 9th, 2026.

Doors open at 10:30am with Mass starting at 11:00am.

16503 Annapolis Rd

Bowie Maryland 20715