Gwen confessed Christ at an early age and attended the Shiloh Baptist Church (Ashland, VA) where she faithfully supported until her health caused her to change her residence. At such time she became a member of the Anointed New Life Baptist Church (Glen Allen, VA).

Her entire public education was spent at John M. Gandy School in Hanover County, graduating proudly " The Class of 1964" .

She was a faithful employee at "Newton" Lightfoot's Bakery, Flowers' Variety Store, Randolph-Macon College and Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control all in Ashland, VA.

Gwen loved to cook and entertain.  She was most known for her famous apple and peach cobblers and was specifically known as the " apple cobbler woman ". The friends of her sons knew her as the " fried chicken lady ". She used to tell people that, " this meal's gonna make you smack your mama ."  She was also known as the Herald-Progress of Ashland. Her favorite pastime was the telephone and anyone who called could get the latest information. She kept up with all the deceased by attending funerals and reading the obituaries. Whenever she did not have ride to a funeral she would ride in the hearse with the body or the flower van.  She loved to dress up especially when it was time to wear a hat. Gwen never drove anything but she could tell you how to get to any destination you desired, particularly churches. She was well-known at so many churches.

She was always willing to go whenever and wherever at any time. Always willing to help others in any way she could.  Gwen gave her life to the Lord at an early age and served Him well through the Usher's Ministry. She believed in prayer and taught her three children to pray without ceasing as a foundation. She was a member of Shiloh Baptist's ushers board, the Ushers Union of Ashland and Vicinity, and at an early age sang in the church's choir. Gwen was a faithful usher having served over 50 years. She led ushers' marches at anniversaries and planned many programs over the years.

Gwen loved life and had an infectious, distinctive laugh that was well-known throughout. Wherever she went she made friends very easily. She was proud to be a graduate of John M. Gandy Class of 1964 . She spoke on the times how she traveled with Gandy's sports teams back in the day.  She loved her classmates and was known for her dancing spirit.  Even after the removal of her leg she would dance in her wheelchair.  Gwen loved her three children and her family and will be missed but never forgotten.

She leaves treasured memories with her three children: Angela, Andre' (Tyra), and Antoine; two brothers: Leon Jackson, Sr. and Kevin Jerome Buckner (Sharon); grandchildren: Ashley Pryor, Andre' Buckner, Jr. and Davion Mines; great-grandson: Dallas; Goddaughter: Keeron Brice (Thomas – Kenny, Kolby and Trey); Nieces: Veronica and Robinette; Nephews: Warren, Wayne, Leon, Jr., Lawrence, Lance, Kevin, and Keith; First and second cousins: Milton (Jean), Grace (William), Sally, Evelyn, Reed (Lisa), Alice, Charlotte (Reavis), Ida, Carolyn, Linda, Dennis, Ann, Emily (Ray) and Leroy, Jr. (Jean) and many other devoted cousins and friends including a very special friend "Sister in Christ", Ms. Rosalyn DeCordova.

A special thank you to Elizabeth Adam Crump Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and to Heartland Hospice for providing outstanding support and care to our mom and the family during her illness.