Gwendolyn Thomas

Our beloved mother and friend received her heavenly wings on Monday, February 24, 2020 at her residence in Saginaw, Michigan at the age of seventy years. Gwendolyn L. Henry was born December 7, 1949 in Greenwood, Mississippi to Dorothy Henry and raised alongside stepfather, Peter Sampson.

Gwendolyn graduated from Saginaw High School “Class of 1968.” She obtained her A.S. in General Studies from Delta College and B.A. in Social Work from Central Michigan University. She was a multitasker and because of her love for people, she also became a cosmetologist, caterer (Gwen’s Tamales), and volunteered at various organizations throughout her years.

Gwendolyn was a long standing and faithful member of New Covenant Christian Center under the leadership of Pastor Ron and Lady Georgette Frierson, who were also her cousins and great friends. She served in ministry as a greeter, praise dancer, choir member, intercessory prayer, outreach ministry and many more. She was truly dedicated to her church and others. She loved God with all her heart and soul. Her praise was infectious and at any given time she didn’t have a problem pulling you out to dance beside her. She was real, full of fire and faith.

Gwendolyn enjoyed cooking, shopping, planting her flowers and gardening, watching a good movie, praying, dancing, laughing and spending time with her family and friends. She loved to travel, experience other cultures and meet new people. Those that knew her always quoted the same phrase “I Love Me Some Gwen!” because of her genuine sweet spirit, beautiful smile and warm hugs. She was a beacon of light to anyone that came into her presence, so full of wisdom and grace, teaching younger women how to carry themselves and always “Be A Lady!” She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Gwendolyn was predeceased by her husband, Floyd Thomas; mother, Dorothy Henry-Sampson; stepfather, Peter Sampson; brother, Mark Anthony Henry; aunt, Georgia Lee Roberson.

She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Cherylrese Henry, Houston, Texas, Torrence (Tremaine) Watley, Miekesha (Albert) William, Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Quentavia Henry and Emery Lance Wafer, Jr., Saginaw, Michigan, Christopher Marshall Jr., Columbus, Ohio, Douglas (Kissa) Benton, Phoenix, Arizona, Robert Barconia Jr. Dallas, Texas, Kelah, Jonathan and Bryson Barconia, Houston, Texas; great-grandchildren, Khalani Johnson, Saginaw, Michigan, Karis, Ariya and Pyper Marshall, Columbus, Ohio, Madison, Kamari, Jalil, Douglas Benton Jr., Phoenix, Arizona; brothers, James Henry, James Porter Couvillion, Saginaw, Michigan; sister, Christine Boone, Detroit, Michigan; special cousin, Willie Robinson, Lake Elsinore, California; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including special friends Margie Lawrence, Janice Burt, Pam Richardson, Cherina Johnson, Michelle Barkley and so many more.

The family wishes to express special thanks to our family and friends, Pastor Ron and Lady Georgette Frierson and the entire NCCC family, Bishop Alvernis and Lady Shantell Johnson and Kingdom Life Ministries International, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.