On Thursday, September 2, 1948, the TV genre of Westerns/Cowboys and Indians fan and world traveler extraordinaire, Gwendolyn Adelaide Lewis was the second child of three born to the union of James G. and Aloncita F. Lewis. Gwen was the middle of “The Lewis Girls”.

Her faith and strong work ethic were at the core of Gwen’s character as she affectionately earned the title “Mother Theresa” early in life. At an early age, Gwen accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, and joined Antioch Baptist Church, King George, VA. under the leadership of Rev. Moses A. Knott.

Gwen began her education at Ralph Bunche School from which she graduated in 1967. She continued to support this historic institution down through the years. Upon graduating from Ralph Bunche, Gwen attended Cortez Peters Business College in Washington, D.C. and Durham Business College where she received a degree in Data Processing Automation.

Upon completion of her education Gwen began her professional career as a federal employee.  She started at home at the Naval Weapons Laboratory (now Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division) doing data entry using keypunch cards. That’s early data processing. Gwen retired from the federal government in 2012. Along with working for the Federal Government, Gwen also served as a cashier for Peoples Drug Store/CVS located on King Street in Alexandria during the 80s and 90s, where patrons affectionately called her “Ms. Gwen.”

Gwen’s most favorite thing to do was travel. It probably started with those early morning church bus trips to the outlet malls, which grew into a larger passion. She was a travel and cruise aficionado. Gwen’s first long-distance trip was to South Dakota. On that trip, she was fascinated to see God’s majesty that did not look like the East Coast.

Our sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and sister in law lived a rich blessed life. After a brief illness, Gwendolyn Adelaide Lewis was called from service to reward on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Gwendolyn leaves fond memories to be cherished by her sister Urzetta V. Lewis, nephew Wayne E. Howell, Jr. (Karim), foster brother Maurice S. Beverly (Cynthia), cousin Rosa Lee Redman, great nephew Wayne E. Howell, III, great niece Wrayna Howell, great nephew Steven Richardson, and brother in law LeRoy Ward.  Many friends and acquaintances will miss Gwen also, especially her travel companions Martha Payne and Wilma Sue Ferguson.

She was preceded in death by her parents James G. and Aloncita F. Lewis, and her older sister Jacquelin M. Ward.

The family will receive friends from 4p-7p, Friday, January 24 at Antioch Baptist Church, 11102 James Madison Parkway, King George, VA.  A second visitation will take place from 10a-11a on Saturday, January 25 at Antioch, with a funeral service beginning at 11a.  Burial will take place at Historyland Memorial Park.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things,
I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

Matthew 25:21