Gwendolyn Marie Smallwood

Gwendolyn Marie Smallwood was born June 1, 1967, to Faith Ann Smallwood and Walter Lee Benson in Elyria, Ohio. She departed this life January 14, 2025.

 Gwen attended elementary, secondary, and Elyria high school, graduating in 1984.  She also attended Lorain County Community College, and became an STNA working at Palm Crest East, and Center Ridge Nursing Homes.  She later started to pursue her love for cooking while working at Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden in Elyria, OH.  There was always a competition between her and her family about who made the best macaroni and cheese.   She enjoyed writing poems and loved spending as much time as she could with her children and grandchildren. 

Gwen leaves to cherish her memory, three children: Darell Smallwood of Elyria, OH, Shamar (Kyle) Johnson of Phoenix, AZ, and Charnell Tillman of Lorain, OH. Four grandchildren: Cameron Edwards, Timothy Switzer III, Jamir Edwards, and Amayla Edwards.  Siblings:  Veronica (Ernest) Cofield of Elyria, OH, Calvin Smallwood of Columbus, OH, Troy (Lori) Smallwood of North Ridgeville, OH, Thomas (Druscilla) Smallwood of Perrysburg, OH, Audra Smallwood of Canton, OH, and Robert Smallwood of Toledo, OH.  Two Aunts: Lucy Smallwood, and Delores Smith of Elyria, OH; a special cousin: Lynn Benson of Lorain, OH, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous relatives, and special friends who will treasure her memory. 

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Benson and Faith Smallwood, brother, Ricky Smallwood, uncles: Richard Smallwood, Robert Lee Benson, Herbert Smallwood, Carlton Glass, and her aunt Gwendolyn Benson.

 Gwen’s warm smile and kind heart has left an undeniable impression upon all who knew her, never to be forgotten.

Visitation will be Friday, January 24, 2025, at God’s Kingdom 423 Washington Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am with a Celebration of Life from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.

Interment: Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria, OH

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to

Carter Funeral Homes Inc.

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