Gwendolyn Joyce Brown-Carter

She was the second of seven daughters born to Mabel M. and Bobbie M. Brown in Seattle, Washington. Gwen spent her life in Seattle and was a 1966 graduate of Garfield High School. Her career spanned 25 years as a Facilities Supervisor with the TRA Architectural Firm and the past 12 years with the City of Seattle, most recently as an Administrative Support Supervisor for the City's Department of Planning and Development.

Gwen's son Bobbie was the light of her life. She was very proud that he was the first boy born in the Brown family and she lovingly named him after her dad. She was also blessed to have two step-children in her life, Anthony and Cheri, whom she loved with all her heart. Gwen's bonds with her children were deeper than the typical parent-child relationships. She and Bobbie were more than mother and son, they were best friends. Bobbie knew he had Gwen's support in whatever he wanted to do, for as long as he was happy, she was too. They talked daily, as long as he didn't call after 7:00 PM. Because at the stroke of seven, "Cinderella" had to get her sleep and she wasn't accepting any phone calls!

Like her Dad, Gwen embraced everyone, and like her Mother, she enjoyed listening and dancing to jazz and blues. Gwen loved to travel to her favorite spots which were Memphis, Reno and Las Vegas.

Gwen had a very close relationship with her six sisters, each one in a loving, special and unique way. They always teased that the three oldest (Bev, Gwen & Marsha) were a "team" and the three younger ones (Jan, Steph & Barb) had their own. Vanessa, the middle daughter, would be the deciding vote. Gwen will be missed by her sisters more than words can say. Recently, the sisters got together for a Valentine's Day sleepover. Gwen took this opportunity to express her love to her sisters through a letter that will be forever cherished.

Gwen was a truly wonderful, loving friend to everyone. She openly shared her laughter, her sense of humor and loyalty to those who called her "friend". She was always there to listen and to talk in a comforting, sensitive way. She was never intrusive but when you asked, she always had "pearls of wisdom" that seemed to make you feel better. At the same time, Gwen would not hesitate to give you her opinion. She was admired and respected by everyone - to know her was to love her.

When Gwen got word of her illness, she took it gracefully and accepted what was ahead of her. She was more concerned about how her family and friends would handle the devastating news. From her sick bed, Gwen organized several get-togethers with her extended "family" of friends, some of these friendships she had maintained over a lifetime. Gwen was a person who took charge of her own life, her own destiny and did things the "way she wanted to do them". Right to the end Gwen was in charge!

Gwen is preceded in death by her father, Bobbie M. Brown and her husband, Curtis L. Carter. She leaves to mourn, her mother, Mabel M. Brown, her children, Bobbie Dickey (Dequisha Lagrone), Anthony Dickey, Cheri Gray and son-in-law Antonio Gray; grandchildren Darian Dickey, Tyler (TJ) Jackson, Kristin and Kailyn Gray, Keondre and Keevontye Collier; sisters, Beverly Nachatelo-Griffith (Merv), Marsha K. Brown, Vanessa Rhomes (Dennis), Janet L. Davis (Shaheed), Stephanie Brown, Barbara M. Brown, her loving nieces, Bridgett, Tiffany, Danielle, Maiesha, Ariana, Janaia, Nikosi, greatnephew Christopher, greatnieces, Akirah and Deja and other extended family and friends.