Gwendolyn Huff

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Deaner Coles Huff was born on October 27, 1927 in Roanoke, Virginia to the late Superintendent Lloyd, Sr. & Cleopatra Coles. She was the second child and oldest girl of seven children. Young Gwen always loved the Lord and was filled with the Holy Ghost as a teenager. She played the piano for her home church, Holy Church of God in Christ, where her father was the Pastor.

Gwen attended Lucy Addison High School and Temple School of Business. She also received a certification from the US Department of Agriculture. She was an organized woman, who paid attention to details. Gwen spent many years as an administrative assistant working for the Roanoke Public Schools, General Electric and the DC Public Schools – to name a few. She was the first Black person to work for the Phoenix, Arizona YMCA.

Affectionately known to her church family as “Mother Huff”, she was a long-standing member of Gethsemane Church of God in Christ where her oldest brother is the pastor. In over 30 years of service, she has held various positions in the church, including: Church radio broadcast announcer, Church Secretary, Women’s Department Coordinator, District Chairlady of Sunday School Department; President of Pastor’s Aide Auxiliary; Church Pianist; Choir member and member of Mother’s Board. She was a woman of dignity, honor and character. She displayed the nature and character of God in all of her actions. There was no doubt, she loved God and people.

Mother Huff is preceded in death by her parents – Lloyd, Sr. and Cleopatra Coles; her precious daughter – Nedra Huff; sister – Janice, and brother – Alvin. She is survived by two daughters Dwayna (Samuel) Rogers of Fairfax, Virginia and Andrea (Michael) Stevens of Cocoa, Florida. Ten grandchildren: Samuel (Tracy) Rogers III; Seantele R. Gould; Shane (Lori) Rogers; Tania (Carlton) Johnson; Danyel (Willie) Hoyle II; David (LaToya) Stevens; Salena (Charles) Chester; Sylvia Stevens; Melinda Stevens; and Ysabel Stevens. Four siblings: Supt. Lloyd, Jr. (Luvator) Coles; Supervisor ViCurtis (John) Little; Bishop Neavelle (Leona) Coles; Elder Leander (Jean) Coles. Twenty great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and those who loved her dearly.

Arrangements under the direction of National Funeral Home, Falls Church, VA.