Mere words can never express my gratitude to God for bringing Auntie Gwen* to us. She was part of our family (and vice versa) for most of our daughter, Anna’s, first four years of life back in the 1980s. Auntie Gwen was a gem as a caregiver to very young children. She brought joy and kindness, hugs and giggles. She made learning fun. She taught good manners and sharing. She made ponies in Anna’s hair better - smoother, tighter - than anyone else, ever. 🥰 Most importantly, she taught the children to love Jesus. Experts differ about the influence of caregivers in a young child’s life. This I know – all these years later, Anna’s kind spirit reflects her time spent as a little one surrounded by the kindness and love of Auntie Gwen. If there is such a thing in heaven, I will gladly wait in line to say “thank you” to her.
*and Uncle Bill, Shawn, Shane and Scott – it really was a family affair. ❤️
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Auntie Gwen was a formative presence in my early childhood years. I remember enjoying going her house — it was safe, warm, and fun. Her smile just lit up and room.
God certainly gave Auntie Gwen a talent for working with young children. We learned and played and sang and explored — what a gift she was!
I’m so thankful for the role she played in my life and look forward to the day we’ll meet again.
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Auntie Gwen was much loved in the Thornton household. She was Melissa’s first babysitter until Melissa graduated to pre-school at 3. Auntie Gwen took care of everything including always sending Melissa home clean and sweet smelling. I remember teaching Melissa to tie her shoes at age 2 because Auntie Gwen taught her everything else. We loved her and look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
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My Dear Auntie Gwen...Do you know that I barely remember any of my life without you in it? I had no idea when I met Shawn at the age of 10 (she was 11) that I was not only gaining a best friend...I was also getting a second mom! No matter what the years brought and no matter how much time passed, we always seemed to pick up where we left off and always had the connection of all that we had been through together! I knew you loved and adored me and you knew the same! Good times, hard times, growing times, memories, and just life in general...I always knew you were in my corner! I love you and miss you already ... and I love knowing we will be together again someday! With all my love and a bit of a broken heart...Lobi
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I met Gwen through Ron and Sharon Sweet. Sharon was Billy’s sister. Gwen was such a sweet and kind person. To know her was to love her.
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I remember as a child thinking how beautiful and sweet Gwen was! She was always kind to my brother and sister and I. I loved being in her presence! And through the years looking at pictures of her it seem like she never aged.She was forever young! Love you Gwen! Mitzi Kay Cawthon
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I met Gwen in 1982 at Midway Baptist Church in San Diego, CA. When they came to Midway, I had heard she was from Carson City, NV went over and started talking. Best friends ever since. She was with me when I had my Son Jonathan, in 1983. In the last years she moved to Las Vegas, I also live in Vegas, and we would get together and talk for hours. I miss you Dear Friend. I know you are at Peace and out of Pain. Love you. M
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I went to school with Gwen and we used to have sleepovers occasionally. I remember when she and Billy started dating and they were perfect for each other. Obviously their love created a beautiful family that Gwen was so proud of…proof is in all of the FB posts she would share about her children and grandchildren and how much she loved all of you. I’m sure Billy was waiting for her and they are picking up right where they left off. Prayers for all of her family and friends🙏🏼✝️
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