Gwendolyn Jean Pelzer

It is with profound sadness yet deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Gwendolyn Jean Pelzer, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Gwendolyn gracefully departed this world on May 30, 2026, at the age of 87, after courageously battling cancer with a quiet strength that defined her life. Born on December 23, 1938, in the small, close-knit community of Carolina, West Virginia, Gwendolyn was the cherished daughter of Ernest D. Nevels and Elizabeth Washington, and stepdaughter to Willie Gus Washington. She was joyfully welcomed into a family that instilled in her the values of love, integrity, and faith, which she carried with her throughout her life. Gwendolyn relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where she graduated from Franklin Lane High School in 1956. It was in Brooklyn that she met and married Richard H. Pelzer at the tender age of 19. Together, they embarked on a journey of parenthood, raising their children—Richard, Kim, Sharon, and Adriene—with unwavering dedication and love. Though their marriage ended in divorce, the family ties remained strong, and Gwendolyn's legacy continued to thrive through her children and grandchildren. Her professional life was marked by her 32-year career as a data operator at the New York Telephone Company. Upon retirement, she continued her service to others by working part-time as an Intake Administrator at Care Link Home Health Services until the onset of the pandemic. Her colleagues often remarked on her steadfast work ethic and the grace she brought to every task. Gwendolyn was a devoted member of Concord Baptist Church, where her faith was both a guiding light and a source of strength. She carried herself with a quiet dignity and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people, always welcoming others with a warm smile and an open heart. Her personal life was rich with creativity and joy. Gwendolyn had a passion for painting and drawing, and she delighted in word puzzles, theatre, music, and fashion. An avid traveler, she reveled in exploring new places but cherished most the time spent with family and friends. Her home was a sanctuary filled with laughter, warmth, and the aroma of her delicious cooking. Gwendolyn's beauty, both inside and out, was matched by her humility and kindness. She lived with high morals and values, always putting the needs of others before her own. She was a devoted listener, a source of comfort and wisdom to those around her, and a pillar of strength for her family. Her unwavering dedication to her children never wavered; she was the devoted mother who never wanted an empty nest. Preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, brother Ernest Nevels Jr., grandmother Lucille Tompkins, and sons Richard and Kim Pelzer, Gwendolyn is survived by her loving sister Dawn Carter; daughters Sharon and Adriene Pelzer; grandchildren Shanna Maitland, Rachel Smith, and Anais Pritchett; and great-grandchildren Egypt, Tony, Zaran, and Arai. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and extended family, along with her companion in her later years, Adam Padgeat. Gwendolyn's life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and faith. She touched the lives of all who knew her with her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness. Her legacy will continue to inspire those she leaves behind, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate to know her. A celebration of Gwendolyn's life will be held at Concord Baptist Church, where family and friends are invited to gather to honor her memory and the indelible mark she left on the world. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity close to Gwendolyn's heart, in honor of her compassionate spirit. Gwendolyn Jean Pelzer, a life beautifully lived and a heart eternally generous, will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others.