Forever in our hearts
Life Sketch
GWENDOLYN WOOD-TISDALE
In the southern coastal city of Mobile, Alabama, a darling baby girl was born to the late Nettie and Hammie Herbert Simmons. With prophetic insight, her father, who was a Baptist minister and a national evangelist, proclaimed of his baby girl, “You’re the last button on Gabriel’s coat.” Indeed, his words rang true, for this little girl was the last of her five siblings: Annie Mae, Willie, Wilma, Nathaniel, and James.
At her birth, she was named Beatrice; however, her older sister, Annie Mae, took the liberty of renaming her Gwendolyn, a name that became officially hers throughout her life. Both names Beatrice and Gwendolyn are derived from Latin and Welsh words that mean blessed. So, it was Gwendolyn Beatrice Simmons that blessed her family on October 9, 1932. Little did they know at the time that Gwendolyn would bless so many with her unique flair for life, her stylishness, her talent, and her love.
I AM SOMEBODY
You ask me, “Who am I” I say to you, “I am Somebody” You ask me, “How do ya know?”
I say, “Cause it’s a fact” I walk, talk, look and act the partI know who I am“I am Somebody.”
©Gwen Wood-Tisdale
Even in her youth, Gwendolyn was a force to be reckoned with. In the poetic words of Maya Angelou, Gwendolyn could faithfully and humbly say, “And Still I Rise.” The Lord ordered her steps during good times, challenging times, and the times of racial tension that permeated the South. While riding her bike, she was hit by a car. The bike was totaled, but God spared her life. At the tender age of 12, she got into an altercation with a white girl who called Gwendolyn a nigger. Surely, Gwendolyn would not let her get away with such an assault on her character and dignity, so she retaliated by slapping the girl right in the face. The police were notified and ready to charge Gwendolyn with assault. She ran from the scene, and for nearly three months, her parents sheltered her in the home of a relative until that brief, but significant southern uprising ended.
Gwendolyn’s educational journey began in the public school system of Mobile. Upon her high school graduation, she chose to attend Alabama State College where she majored in elementary education. Not only did she want to become a teacher, but she also set her sight on married life. During her summer break on August 18, 1951, she married Nathaniel Arnold. Her new status as wife did not interfere with her educational goals. While her husband pursued his career, Gwendolyn immersed herself in college life, engaging in several activities that included singing opera, playing the piano, and perfecting her gift of oratory and poetry. In 1954, she achieved her goal and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
“Foxy”
Gwendolyn’s Parents
Two years later, Gwendolyn and her husband were blessed to have a son whom they named Nathaniel. When her marriage to Nathaniel ended, Gwendolyn married Ullysee Wood in 1965. They had two sons, Ullysee, Jr. and Willie. The family moved to Alexandria, Virginia, and then settled in the Hillcrest Heights section of Washington, DC. Gwendolyn was proud of her three sons and imparted her words of advice that she clearly articulated with precise enunciation of every syllable.
Wedding bells rang again in June 1987, when Gwendolyn married the love of her life, George Tisdale. They enjoyed traveling together and hosting family gatherings where George’s Fish Fry dinners were legendary. Gwendolyn loved his gentle spirit, and she unreservedly declared that George was the kindest man she ever met. They blended their families, and George’s children George, Jr., Terasina, Marichal, and Valerie Tisdale were welcomed by Gwen’s sons, Nathaniel, Ullysee, and Willie. For Gwen and George, family meant everything. Sadly, on January 27, 2012, George passed away, leaving a significant void in Gwendolyn’s life.
“A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste” –
From 1957 to 1964, Gwendolyn taught elementary school in the Mobile County Public School system in Alabama, and when she relocated to Washington, DC, she taught in the DC Public School System and became a reading specialist until her retirement in 2007. Being a lover of children, she was skillful in educating her students to become lifelong learners and to make positive contributions to society and the communities where they resided. While a teacher in DC, Gwendolyn unselfishly gave of her means to make sure her school children were well cared for. Without fanfare and the desire to be applauded for her efforts, she would visit their homes to provide food and clothes for those in need. The students at such schools as Stanton Elementary, Malcolm X, Martha Winston, and Fletcher Johnson experienced her rigorous approach to education that was exacting but laced with love, compassion, and the beauty of poetry.
Gwendolyn’s involvement in her community was exceptional. Her acumen as a poet provided her with the opportunity to read her poems throughout many school districts and organizations in DC, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Alabama. She received many honors for poetic achievement from the International Society of Poets, and on January 7, 1995, she appeared on national television to read her poetry on the Geraldo Rivera Show. During President Bill Clinton’s term of office, she worked as a volunteer for the White House Volunteer Program. In 2007, she was included in the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals. Several years later, she was a featured poet on the Hope Channel TV Network. As a respected educator, Gwendolyn was a member of the executive committee of the DC Congress Parent/Teacher Volunteer Association and a member of the coordinating committee for the interfaith service commemorating the 30th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s March on Washington, Sylvan Theater, Washington, DC. When she received an invitation to attend the inauguration of President Obama, she graciously accepted and made quite an impression suitable for the diva that she was. In 2016, she published a book, GemsfromGwen , a collection of poems for all ages and occasions.
Gwendolyn and Sons
From childhood, Gwendolyn was reared as a Baptist, but when her sister Annie Mae joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church, she planted a seed in Gwendolyn that would take root and germinate under the tender care of the Holy Spirit. Gwendolyn was a staunch reader of the Bible, and from the poetic language of the Psalms, she found a special connection. While living in Mobile, Gwendolyn decided to attend an Adventist church, but the parishioners thought she might be more comfortable worshipping with her “own kind” in a black congregation. That suggestion was not well received, so when Gwendolyn relocated to Washington, DC, she decided to follow her upbringing and join the Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church. As the Holy Spirit continued to lead her, she ultimately left the Baptist church and became a baptized member of Dupont Park Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Later, Gwendolyn was led to join the newly formed Capitol Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church under the pastorship of Wintley Phipps. That decision was like a “match made in heaven.” Capitol Hill Church all the pastors, the members, and the church ministries became the catalyst that sparked the love affair Gwendolyn forged with this community of believers. She was the first director of the Forever Young Ministry (formerly known as the 50 Plus Club), and for many years, she served as director of Vacation Bible School (VBS). As director, she wrote and produced the theme song that was adopted by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. She organized field trips and scheduled guest speakers and community presenters to provide the children with meaningful experiences. If you were in her path of influence, she voluntold you what to do and demanded excellence in whatever contribution you were tasked to perform.
Gwendolyn also served as a deaconess, and minus the protocol of the Nominating Committee, she became a praise team all her own. Without the need of a mic, she would talk back to the preacher, shouting her spontaneous but sincere praises of “Glory to God.” As meaningful as her contributions were to the various ministries of the church, her joy was with the children whom she embraced as her grandchildren. They lovingly called her GG and looked forward to greeting her at church or spending time with her at social events. She relished the attention she received and was forever grateful for the devotion showered on her. To be clear, GG was as quick to correct as she was to love. She commanded respect but was supportive and encouraging. Her forever young personality was magnetic, and her sense of style was unprecedented. She demonstrated “hatitude” while donning her fashionable hats that were perfectly matched with her beautiful outfits. Her nails were always manicured, and even her bejeweled walking cane kept pace with her iconic diva style.
What mattered most to Gwendolyn was her love for God and family. She graciously opened her home to many family members who needed a place to call home, and the precious memories they shared hold a special place in their hearts. When her health began to fade, Gwendolyn gave up her home on Park Drive, SE and moved in with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren who followed her example by making their house her home. They faced each challenge with love, laughter, and grace, and what they provided for each other was the essence of what family should be. GG enjoyed spending time with her daughter-in-law’s parents, Laura and Terrell, who also lived in the Arnold Home. They became GG’s buddies and special mealtime mates. GG looked forward to Sabbath dinners where she insisted on having bread and ice cream. She claimed bread was mandatory because the Bible said she must have it. Then she claimed that her doctor advised that ice cream was good for her eyes. Her family questioned her sources of information, but GG was quick to declare, “I know what I’m talking about.” There was never a dull moment in what humorously became the “Arnold Senior Services Center.”
Gwendolyn Wood-Tisdale leaves a unique legacy of love. From her oldest son to her grandchildren, she has bequeathed treasures beyond measure, treasures that she earnestly prayed that her children would value in life, treasures that would make them contributing citizens in this world, and more importantly, in the world to come. What she taught in word and deed is exemplified in the lessons they embraced. Her sons, Nathaniel and Willie, learned loyalty and forgiveness. They learned to give God their best and to be the best they can be for themselves and for family. Gwendolyn was able to witness how they live their lives according to the adage, “Giveloveandlive love.Bethedifference.”They summed up the very essence of her teachings by stating, “We learned God.” Her daughters-in-law Cassandra, Sheila, and Angel learned compassion and to be authentically and unapologetically yourself while living a Christ-like life to the fullest.
Without collaborating with one other, each grandchild echoed some of the same sentiments. Alexandra, the oldest grandchild, states, “to call GG strong would be an understatement. She bore silent battles, the weight of untold challenges and the trials that come with being a Black woman in America. Yet, none of this dimmed her vision. She always saw her highest self, and she chased it with grace and determination. GG’s strength wasn’t just in her own rising after every fall; it was in being the soft place where others could land. No matter how many times life knocked her down, she stood tall, and when we stumbled, she lifted us with her. GG carried herself with a radiance you couldn’t miss. Long before she arrived, her light was already shining. She moved through this world with a bold confidence, inspiring us all to stand a little taller, love a little deeper, and let our own lights shine.”
Xavian says, “GG taught me to always be unapologetically, authentically yourself.”
Asia lovingly expresses that GG taught her to be the light in any room, to walk a life that’s pleasing to God, to be bold and confident, to stand strong, to be fashionable, classy, and timeless. She learned the importance of checking on your family and friends often loving and caring for others no matter what to freely give to family and friends just because, and to celebrate family members’ accomplishments and be truly proud of all their moments.
Alia concludes that “honoring, uplifting, and caring for your loved ones is the most important and necessary purpose that we all have.”
Elijah, who holds the title of being GG’s only grandson, states, “GG taught me to always be an independent thinker because what’s good for themmay not be good for you.
Jada reveals, “GG taught me to treat others with gentleness; be selfless, graceful, and elegant, and to always hold yourself to high standards.
At home with family, church members, and friends, Gwendolyn Wood-Tisdale fell asleep in Christ on Saturday, October 5, 2024, just minutes after having Sabbath worship. Preceding her in death are her parents, her siblings, her husband, George Tisdale, and her middle son, Ullysee Wood. Left to cherish her legacy are her sons, Nathaniel Arnold (Cassandra) and Willie Wood (Angel); her devoted daughter in love, Sheila Wood (Ullysee, deceased); her blended family children, George Tisdale, Jr. (Connie), Terasina Azor (Tim), Marichal Tisdale (Sonya), and Valerie Tisdale (William Keels); her loving grandchildren, Alexandra, Xavian, Asia (Ian), Alia, Elijah, and Jada; one greatgrandson, Josiah; five godchildren, Samantha and Matthew McKenzie, Dawn Donaldson-Finley, Trevor Donaldson, and Donna Dowdy; and a host of nieces, nephews, other devoted family members, and friends. May we all live our lives in such a way as to be reunited with Gwendolyn when Christ comes to take His children home. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.
My Attitude
To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person I meet.
To make all my friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature I meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of myself that I have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
My attitude … is my life.
©Gwendolyn Wood-Tisdale
Prelude
Order of Service
Dr. Emil Dean Peeler, Officiant
Capitol Hill Seventh day Adventist Church
Brandon Jamal Felder, Musician
Processional Clergy
Opening Remarks
Congregational Hymn
Prayer of Consolation
Scripture Readings
“When We All Get to Heaven”
Old testament
Psalm 34:1-4
New Testament
Revelation 14:13
Song of Promise
Life Sketch
Acknowledgments
Reflections and Tributes
Song of Hope
Eulogy
Benediction
Recessional
“My Help”
Jacquelyn Gouche-Farris, Composer
Video Presentation
Friends –
–
Gregory Vaughn, “Adopted Son”
Donna Dowdy, Goddaughter
Dawn Donaldson-Finley, Goddaughter
– Family –
Cousins
Nieces and Nephews
Grandchildren
Children
“Come Jesus Come”
Stephen McWhirter, Composer
“Going Up Yonder”
Elijah Stanley, Assistant Pastor
Capitol Hill SDA Church
Hymn #633
Pastor Colin Brathwaite, Director Ministries Development, AEC
Dr. Shirley Johnson, Minister for Exhortation
Capitol Hill SDA Church
Zina Johnson
Michelle Riley Jones, Narrator
Hazel Lofton-Gregg
Friends and Family
Lynda Hodges
Dr. Emil Dean Peeler
Trevor Donaldson, Lay Pastor
Emmanuel St. Leonard SDA Church
Clergy, Family, and Friends
Interment Immediately Following
Lincoln Memorial Cemetery
4001 Suitland Road
Suitland, Maryland 20746
“In the arms of family, we find strength.”
Grandchildren
Grandparents are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation
Acknowledgments
Words cannot adequately convey the heartfelt gratitude that the family of Gwendolyn Wood-Tisdale has felt for you, our church family and our circle of friends. Your unwavering friendship and overwhelming expressions of love, support, and prayers have helped to sustain us as we look forward to that day when Christ shall come and wipe away all tears from our eyes. May God continue to bless each of you as you minister to others with the love and compassion that you have ministered to us.
Special Thanks –
To all the program participants and those who provided invaluable assistance and loving support, we gratefully acknowledge and thank you.
day Adventist Church
Dr. Emil Dean Peeler and Pastoral Staff
The Hospitality Committee and Capitol Hill Meal Train Ministry
Deaconesses · Ushers
Jones
Amedysis Hospice
June Needham, Special Care Giver
Weep no more, family and friends, Prepare yourselves to tread where she has trod. She’s walked through the valley and shadow of death. She’s crossed over to the other side. There she awaits that great gettin’ up morning
When the mighty trumpets will sound and the heavens will open wide. Our heavenly Father will come riding in on the clouds of glory with out-stretched arms, And say to her: “Arise my child; come live with me in paradise.”
Weep no more, family and friends, She awaits you on the other side.
©Gwendolyn
Wood Tisdale
Services Entrusted