Gwendolyn Blasingame

Gwendolyn Lynette Johnson was born July 7,1955 in Chicago, Illinois to the union of Edward and Syvella Johnson. Gwen was passionate about her life and at the early age of twelve decided she wanted to express that passion as a nurse. She graduated from Kennedy King College in May of 1985 as a Registered Nurse. She served the Chicagoland area as an RN for twenty-nine years. Over the length of her career she worked at some of the most prestigious hospitals in the Chicago area. Gwen was recognized and awarded for her compassion and skill in the field of nursing. However, there is no award that captured the effect she had on the lives of all those she encountered. It was her sensitivity to the needs of others that led to success and longevity in Hospice Nursing. There, she comforted families whose loved ones were placed in her care at the end stages of their life. Gwen's passion extended beyond a career. She fell in love and married William Blasingame Jr. on April 25, 1978 and together they welcomed their first child, Donna. In 1980, William Jr., Gwen, and Donna relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. It was there that Gwen would complete her family with the arrivals of Tara, William III, and Alisha. Later, the Blasingame family returned to Chicago in 1984. Gwen delighted in life's little pleasures enjoying music, old classic movies, and laughing and joking with her family. She had so many beautiful facets to her personality, most noteworthy being her humility, humor, wisdom and honesty. If you wanted to know the truth, you knew you could count on her. However, if you didn't really want to hear the truth, it was best to avoid her. Those in her company knew; Gwen would always tell you like it is. Gwen was introduced to Jehovah's organization by her husband William Jr., and thus fulfilled yet another passion when she dedicated her life to Jehovah God. She symbolized her dedication to Jehovah by water baptism on February 29, 1980 becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was always a faithful servant of Jehovah, and for two-and-a-half years, served as a Regular Pioneer. Her true passion then, was to talk about her faith in, and love for, Jehovah. She put forth all effort to express that passion by sharing Bible scriptures with her family, friends, and in the public ministry. Gwen Blasingame remained a true Christian, and faithful servant of Jehovah, up to her last day on this side of the system, September 2, 2014. Gwen was preceded in death by her mother, Syvella Johnson (April 13,1995) and husband William Blasingame, Jr. (November 20,1998). She is survived by her father: Mr. Edward Johnson (Charlie); her sister: Taryn Maclin; her grieving children: Donna Sally (Jerome), William Blasingame (LaMia), Tara Blasingame, and Alisha Blasingame; beloved grandchildren: Damoni, Marcus, Kayla and Jeremiah Blasingame, and Jordan Sally; nieces: LaShawn Williams and Janene Maclin; nephews: Charles J. Maclin Jr. (Yashica), and Jason Maclin; grand nephews: Jalen Williams, Matthew Williams, and Charles J. Maclin III; and grand niece: Eden Maclin; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends. How appropriate are the words in the Bible at Ruth 3:11. It is as if Jehovah has said to women like Gwen "...And now, my daughter, have no fear. I will do for you everything that you say, for everyone in the city knows that you are an excellent woman".

Tributes

Gwendolyn Blasingame

July 7, 1955 - September 2, 2014