Gwendolyn Johns Stewart was born in Winston-Salem, NC on February 11, 1926 to Dr. Island L. Johns, a physician, and Vandelia Perry, educator & musician. She was the youngest of three children. She loved music from an early age and would eventually attend The Julliard School in New York City.

After graduating from Winston-Salem State University with a degree in education, she spent the next 60 years teaching in NC school districts. As a professional musician, she was the director of music for several churches and Christian organizations throughout the state including Shiloh Baptist Church for 30 years. She also wrote and copyrighted over four dozen songs.

Gwen has been called a force. She was considered tough, but fair. She was fiercely independent, but loved her family. She was welcoming and enjoyed hosting lavish parties. She believed in helping all who were in need, but also demanded those same people be self-sufficient. She passed away peacefully on August 18, 2022 after a 14-year battle with dementia.

She leaves behind to cherish her loving memory two sons, Jason Hawkins (Joan) and Daryl T Sturgis (Keith Randall); as well as a host of family, extended family, church members and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 916 E. 12 ^th Street W-S, NC 27101.

In lieu of gifts please send donations to Senior Services Inc. of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.