Gwendolyn McIlwain was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to her beloved parents Mary Elizabeth McIlwain and Robert Lee Ratchford on December 5, 1958. She was the second child of three. The family moved to New York City in 1963 and settled in Brooklyn, NY. At a young age, she met and fell in love with David Jamison and had her first daughter, Tanika. Gwendolyn attended John Jay High School in Brooklyn and later pursued a career working at The United States Post Office as a Mail Carrier for 25 years until she became clinically ill. She decided to retire early to spend time at home while receiving care. Her time at the Post office allowed her to meet and fall in love with Bill Holland with whom she later had a son, Ashton Holland. Her favorite hobbies were painting and drawing and she had a talent for drawing objects that depicted real life. She was a member of New Generation Church in Hempstead, NY for over 5 years. She served on the board and was an active contributor. Gwendolyn is survived by: sister, Roberta; brother, Jeffrey; children, Ashton and Tanika; her adopted (related) daughters, Leslie and Lizzette; a niece; a nephew; as well as numerous extended family members. Lovingly submitted by, The Family