Gwendolyn Taylor

Gwendolyn Dunham Taylor was born in Bessmer, Alabama on January 22, 1952, to the late Rosie Lee (Brown) Dunham and William Everett McGhee Dunham. She was adored and lavishly loved by both parents and maternal grandmother Amanda Young, maternal grandfather Robert Brown, and his wife Lottie (known to Gwen as "Big Mama"). She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Dolores Greene. During her early years, Gwendolyn dedicated her life to God at the First Baptist Church on 9th Street. When she graduated from Jackson S. Abrams High School in 1970, she was one of the top students in her class. Her pursuit of higher education allowed Gwendolyn to matriculate as follows: Michigan State - Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1974; Cornell University - Master of Business Administration Degree in 1976, and The George Washington University Law School with Juris Doctor Degree in 1985.

Gwendolyn settled in Maryland, where she met and married Eugene J. Taylor. The couple adopted two precious sons from Baltimore, James and Jalen Taylor. Her sons' friends referred to Gwendolyn as "Mom" because of her nurturing and loving spirit. Professionally, Gwendolyn was an International Pricing Analyst at General Electric. She served as a Fellow in the office of the former Congresswoman Carrie Meeks.

Gwendolyn's last career move was to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where she worked for 34 years. At EPA, she advanced from Program Manager to Web & Communications Manager, at the time of her retirement in 2022. In 1979, Gwendolyn re-dedicated her life to Jesus Christ. She became one of the Founding Members of the Christian Hope Center (CHC). Under the leadership of Pastors David and Jean Longobardo, she completed the School of the Spirit and became an Ordained Elder. Under the leadership of Bishop Harry R. Jackson, the name changed to Hope Christian Church (HCC). With Gwendolyn's numerous gifts and talents, she served as the Business Manager, Full-time Teacher for the Christian Hope Academy, and Member of the Worship Team. Upon retirement, she decided to kick her feet up and feel the breeze of the Chesapeake Bay while starting a yacht chartering company with her close partner in 2022. Gwendolyn's memory will be cherished by her brother Everett Dunham, "adopted" sister Arnella Maria Samuel, other family members, friends, former co-workers, and many others who provided loving care during her times of need.

A memorial service for Gwendolyn will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904.