Beginning of Gwendolyn's Life's Journey Gwendolyn C. Shackelford was born on March 10, 1944 to Oscar and Charity Shackelford. Gwen had two (2) siblings when she was born, Johnie Dykes and Verdell Boyd Shackelford several years later her brother Dennis Shackelford and thereafter her youngest sister Stephanie Shackelford was born. God knew the plans He had for her life. Gwen as she was affectionately called attended PS 57 and went on to attend Jane Adams Vocational High School located in the Bronx. She continued her education at Adelphi University and graduated with an Associate degree in Business Management. Gwendolyn was a go getter and worked hard for everything she achieved. Upon graduation Gwen was employed by Western Electric as an IBM Keyboard Punch Operator. When Western Electric merged with AT&T Gwen followed the company to New Jersey. She was devoted to her job and commuted from Harlem to Morristown, NJ and Berkley Heights for sixteen (16) years. She remained devoted and after 35 years of employment Gwen retired from Western Electric. Gwendolyn's Walk With God Gwendolyn attended the Greater Refuge Temple under the leadership of the late Bishop R. C Lawson and the late Apostle William L. Bonner. She was baptized in the precious Name of Jesus and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. She was faithful to the call of God on her life and with that same dedication she became a faithful and dedicated member of the Greater Refuge Temple. Ecclesiastes 9:10 states: Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might….. And Gwen did just that! Her hands stayed busy doing the work of the Lord. Gwen was an active member and served in many capacities: Telecast Committee, Vice President of the Youth Education Department, Vice President of the Young Women for Christ, Fundraise for the W.L Bonner Youth Enrichment Center, Fundraise and sold tickets for events, Coordinated the Debutante Pageants and Tom Thumb Wedding Pageants, President of the Girl Scouts Club, assisted in the Winter Wonderland Events, served as an Usher, was the Supervisor of the Youth Usher Board, Co-chair of the original Children's Church where she later became the President, Member of the Greeters Committee, and help coordinate winter/summer retreats. That's just t name a few. Gwen also had a prison ministry where she would write, encourage and introduce God to those who were incarcerated as well as share those letters with family and friends via mail. She would use her own money to purchase stamps unless otherwise donated to ensure that those letters were sent on a monthly basis. If you had a family member or friend who was sick or in need of encouragement, they too would receive a letter. Gwen wrote monthly letters until her health began to fail. And oh, let us mention the beautiful and exquisite penmanship, she wrote the return address on many family and friends invitations for weddings and parties. When Gwen committed to do something, she would see it though. Gwen's living was not in vain, she did the work of Him that sent her, John 9:4 states I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. To some this is her night but her work in heaven has just began, she is praising and working with her creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. Cherishing Her Memory "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing". II Timothy 4:7-8 Gwendolyn C. Shackleford fought a good fight and finished her course. Gwendolyn departed this life peaceably on Monday April 26, 2021. She leaves to cherish her memory: her sister, Stephanie Shackelford, Harlem, NY; two (2) nieces, Jacquelin Boyd and Tawanna Shackelford; one (1) nephew, Brandon Shackelford; one (1) great niece, Sharday Boyd; four (4) great nephews, Isaiah, Joshua, Dallas and the new edition to our family Chase Shackelford in which Gwen was so excited to enjoy and witness. Gwen also leaves behind a host of family, friends and all of her Greater Refuge Temple Family. What a reunion it will be when we all meet in the great by and by. So long for Now! Humbly Submitted By The Family