Gwendolyn Leona Stewart Edwards received her heavenly wings on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Colleton Medical Center, Walterboro, SC.   Gwen, as she was known to many, was born on August 15, 1950 in Orangeburg, SC, the oldest daughter of the late Reverend Lee Roy and Ethel (McMichael) Stewart.

Gwen attended the public schools of Dorchester County and was a 1967 graduate of Williams Memorial High School, St. George, SC.  After high school at the age of 16, she attended Bennett College and Claflin University studying Physical Education.  She furthered her education at South Carolina State University and Virginia State University where she received her Master's Degree.  She did additional studies at the University of South Carolina and at The Citadel. During her college career, she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Gwen was an excellent student and an amazing teacher.  She taught school in Colleton County, SC Dorchester County, SC, Trident Technical College, SC and in the state of Virginia for a number of years.  Gwen had a passion for teaching and she loved her students.  She taught elementary, middle and high school with middle school being her favorite.  She left a positive impact on every student and was always willing to go the extra mile to help them.  She retired from Dorchester County School District Four after more than 40 years in the teaching profession.  After retirement and in her leisure time, she and her loving husband enjoyed fishing, traveling, shopping, gardening and enjoying life.

At an early age, Gwen became a member of Greenville United Methodist Church in Reevesville, SC, later merged to become New Grace United Methodist Church. She was a dedicated member who served faithfully in many capacities.  She served as the Worship Chairperson, Lay Servant, Pulpit Supply, and substitute organists.  Gwen and her beloved husband worked cheerfully together, she playing the organ and he serenading the audience.  She also served as the Lay Servant Instructor for the Walterboro District.

During Gwen's time in Virginia, she met the love of her life, Larry Larnell Edwards.  They were joined in holy matrimony on November 15, 1975.  She and her beloved husband were inseparable.  They enjoyed 42 years of marital bliss, and the union was blessed with three beautiful daughters and a son who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by one sister-in-law, Laverne Aiden and three brothers-in-law, Clifton, Leroy and Marvin Edwards.

Gwen was an outstanding citizen in the community, a member of the St. George Branch of the NAACP and was a notary public.  She will truly be missed by her family and many friends.

Her memories will forever be cherished by: her loving husband of the home, Larry Larnell Edwards, three daughters, Nakeba Katrice Edwards Sipp, Tiffani Calaia Edwards and Shakori Vanette Edwards; her grandson, Antonio Jarquarvia Riley, Jr.; one sister, Miriam (John) Scott; an adopted brother, Russell (Anna) Stewart; two special nephews, Ryan S. Scott and Brandon T. Scott; one aunt, Jacqueline Kirkland; sisters-in-law, Rachel, Margie, Barbara, Francine, Josolyn and Ellen; one brother-in-law, Carlton (Jackie) ; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.