In Loving Memory Of Olga Gissell Daisy Hernandez October 21, 1999 – November 1, 2025

Gissell entered the gates of heaven into the arms of her loving Savior, Jesus. I'm sure she was greeted by her mother and other family members who welcomed her home. For Gissell, it was a joyous time - in her words, "I will be partying with my Jesus and my mom." Her favorite scripture was Psalm 91, which she had planted deeply in her heart.

Gissell was a Belizean native, the third in a family of nine siblings. She attended Kuxlin Ha Primary School and then Belmopan High School. She later graduated from Penn Foster, where she began her online studies in science.

Before the death of her mother, she and her sister Ruvi were placed in the home of two American missionaries, Nathan (Gene) and Elizabeth (Liz) Watkins. One year later, our Heavenly Father led her on a journey of faith and love that only He could orchestrate.

Her Journey of Faith

The journey began in 2017, in Belize, where she was diagnosed with cancer. The next steps led her to a loving Dr. Sam and his wife, Rebecca, in Augusta, GA. From there, the Lord opened the doors for her at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and to Dr. Paola and many medical team members who, over the years, became family. Each step was a leap of faith for her, only going through the doors that were opened. She told us that when God closed the doors, she would be ready. Recently, the doors were closed, and with the most beautiful display of faith and grace, she welcomed them.

Over the last few months, Gissell thanked many for their prayers for her healing. She told her church family and many of her nurses that the Lord gave her that healing when He healed her soul. And now, as she said, "I will wait for my homegoing."

Her Legacy

Gissell's story is long but such a beautiful testament of God's love, His saving grace, and her faith in Him — a story we wish to share with everyone.

She is preceded in death by her father Wilfredo Hernandez her mother Eneida Margareta Figueroa and a baby brother. She is survived by her sisters Sandra Alfaro, Kelly Hernandez, Ruvi Ramos, Dulce Sagastume, and Judith Sagastume; her brothers Franklin Sagastume, Angel Sagastume, Messi Sagastume, and Charlie Sagastume; four nephews and one niece; and many other family members.

Her family who walked with and loved her along the journey includes Nathan "Papa Gene" and Elizabeth "Mama Liz" Watkins, sisters Lesley (Rob) Letner, Genia Watkins, and so many others, including her Church family.

If you have been any part of her beautiful story, we all want to thank you from the deepest part of our hearts. Gissell would tell you, "Thank you, and your healing will also come when you trust fully in Jesus."

Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 10 am at Oak Hill Burial Park.

In lieu of of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.