Reflections of Life Reflections
Gwendolyn E. Roby was born in Chicago, Illinois to her late parents, Mabry Thomas Roby, and Selma (Bobo) Roby, on April 15, 1930. She was always a very determined child with a special admiration for her mother Selma who also had a determined spirit.
Gwendolyn graduated from DuSable High School, Chicago, Illinois January 1948. Soon after graduation, she began working for the U. S. Post Office. In the year of 1951, on March 26, she married Archie Ernest Durham. From their union, they had one daughter. Their marriage did not last long, but it did not stop Gwen, she continued her strife. She continued to work for the U. S. Post Office and retired after 18 years in 1966. Always stubborn and wanting a professional job, she returned to college. Gwen graduated from Roosevelt University on February 10, 1969, earning a Bachelors Degree of Arts in Sociology. Gwendolyn started working for the State of Illinois’ Public Aid Office in 1970 as a Case Worker and later promoted to a Case Reviewer for 23 years. She retired from the State of Illinois on April 5, 1993. Once retired, she remained active in different civic organizations. Gwen was very hands-on as a member of both NAUW and AARP. Gwendolyn was also an avid humanitarian who continued to give annually to many non-profits, plus she loved cats. Her perseverance and spirit will continuously be missed with her many demonstrations of love by our family.
Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her mother and father, Selma and Marby T. Roby, Sr., her brother, Mabry T. Roby, Jr., (Camille), her sister, Wanda J. Gillette (Forrest), and a great-granddaughter, Aniya C. Salamon.
Gwendolyn is survived by her daughter Sheryl D. Hurt-White (Annias), granddaughter, Alita L. Hurt (LaShaun Thornton), a great-grandson, Lathan Thomas Carter Thorton, three nieces, three nephews, and three great-nieces, three great-nephews, and a host of cousins and one particularly close cousin, Sylvia Ragland.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all, I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found the peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void, then fill it with Remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, All yes these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I’ve savored much good friends, good times, a loved once touch. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me. God wanted me now; He set me free.
O rder of S ervice
Saturday, August 24, 2019
1:00 P.M
Grace ThrouGh FaiTh BapTisT church
3150 E. Holmes Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38118
Pastor Efford Alexander ~Officiant & Senior Pastor~
Processional
Scripture:
Old Testament...........................Pastor Dereck Ware Psalm 100:1-5
New Testament................................Bro. Tim Saffold St. John 14:1-3
Prayer................................................Deacon Annais White
Song..........................................................Mildred Johnson
“Amazing Grace” Gilfield M. B. Church
Expressions of Love
(Respectfully 2 minutes, Please)
Elise Yanders & Mabry T. Roby, III Niece and Nephew
Jennifer Craft Miles - Caregiver
Gina Gillett - Niece
Sheryl D. Hurt-White - Daughter
Song...............................................................Joe Chalmers
“When the Gates Swing Open”
Eulogy.................................Senior Pastor Efford Alexander
Recessional...............................................Mildred Johnson
“Going Up Yonder”
“Remains will not be viewed after Eulogy”
The Consolation of Eternal Life
When we reflect on this great truth, we can come to realize that those we love who have gone before us, marked with the sight of faith, have not been separated from us. They are really much closer to us because they now live in the fullness of God’s love, a love that embraces each one of us, whether here on earth or in the heavenly kingdom. It is in this divine love that we are truly united, not only too God but to each other.
No death does not separate us from those we love. It deepens our union with God and with each other.
~Acknowledgement ~
A friendly smile, a casual touch, these are things that mean so much. To know you are with us in our time of sorrow, sharing our prayers, today and tomorrow. God gives us the comfort in the form of family and good friends. May His peace be with you, His love never ends.
~The Family
~Active Pallbearers ~ Tim Saffold LaShaun Thornton James Thornton TaKuma Alexander Mabry T. Roby, III Nate Nash
~Committal Rites & Interment ~ Pleasant Rest Memorial Gardens 6235 Raleigh Millington Road Millington, Tennessee 38063
