Gwendolyn Loretta (Thomas) Gillis

Gwendolyn Loretta Gillis Daughter of the late Carlee and Odessa Thomas was born on September 18, 1949, and went to her heavenly home May 13, 2024. 

Gwen was born and raised in Robbins, where she learned hard work, discipline, life skills and unconditional love from her parents. She started High School at Pickney but transferred to North Moore in 1965 and was one of the first African American classes and the second graduation class in 1967. She worked at Ithaca for many years and retired from Good Year after 20 Plus years in 2012.

Gwen Joined New Zion AME Zion church at an early age and was a faithful member and served on many board ministries. She was a member of the Young Adult Choir, Treasure for the Missionary board, Head of the kitchen committee, Stewardess board, foodbank, and Sunday school teacher. 

Gwen loved Traveling, spending time with her son, grandchildren, great Grands. She also loved family gatherings with her siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She loved hanging out with "The Golden Girls" Eating out, movies, shopping and more. She made sure she attended every significant event in her son, grandchildren and great grands life, whether it was birthdays, graduations and the birth of all of her great grands. Gwen had a nurturing spirit, providing love, support and care to all who knew her. She was a giver, provider and caretaker for her family and friends. She thoroughly loved watching her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. She loved the yearly ritual with her nieces, after Christmas shopping and lunch, also spending time with her first cousins crew, eating and fellowshipping or just talking on the phone. Gwen was a ride or die partner, yard sailing with her sister or doing boy work with her brother. She loved listening to music and line dancing. Her favorite song which she shared with her cousin Cindy was Satin Soul by Barry White.

Along with her parents, Gwen was preceded in death by her brothers, Clyde and Phillip Thomas, and her Sister Vermestine Thomas. It has left a void in the hearts of those left to continue life without her. 

Memories of her will be treasured by her son, Maury Gillis, Five grandchildren, Teasya Bradley (Andrew), Petrice Caddell, Markius Bradley, Kiaya Bradley, Jordan Caddell.  Three Great Grandchildren, Genesis, Elise and Ezekiel. One brother Gerald Brower (Brenda), One Sister Leitha Frye (Jr), Six Nieces, Latonia, Yolanda, Regina, Tara, Teika and Ciera, three Nephews, Terrill, Demaris and Kelly. Two Aunts, Beulah Shamberger and Eula Johnson a Bonus Brother Reggie Brower (Sharon). One Godson, Nicolas Maness, one Goddaughter, Nya Taylor and many cousins, friends and extended Family.

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