Mrs. Gwendolyn Marie Fort-Smith

Gwen attended school in the Oakland Unified School District, graduating from Oakland Technical High School in 1972. She spent her high school summers as a Candy Striper at Highland Hospital. She began her career at Emporium Capwell’s department store. She later worked at General Motors, East Oakland Recovery and Highland Hospital in the Substance Abuse Department; this began her passion to work with and aid others in their recovery as it was not only rewarding to her clients but to her as well. Later she began a career in bartending that lasted nearly 30 years, always listening and giving advice to anyone who needed an ear or advice.

Gwen confessed Christ at an early age. She was a raised in Beebe Memorial Cathedral CME Church. Gwen later joined and was baptized at Paradise Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Leon Mc Daniel, Sr., where she remained here until God called her home. She was the director of the women’s program, Wistar, at Paradise Church.

Gwen met and married Kenneth Smith in December 1990, to this union one daughter was born, Keneesa Smith, but sadly this union did not last.

Gwen lovingly known as G-Mommie was a woman with lots of class. Her smile lit up any room she entered. She enjoyed and lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed playing and watching sports. She was the head Letter Girl in high school. Her heart and home were always open to anyone who needed her. She was a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, as well as a good friend, but most of all she was a G-Mommie to all.

She was proceeded in death by sister; Barbara Fort, grandmother; Effie Adams, aunt; Maggie Harris and cousin; Theresa Taft.

She leaves to cherish in her loving memories, her parents; John W. Fort Sr. of Seattle, WA and Doris Lee Fort of San Leandro CA, three daughters; Taiesha Dailey (Damean) of Fresno, CA, Leticia Hamilton (LeVester) and Keneesa Smith both of San Leandro, CA, and a very special daughter; Korey, son Rickey Bartely of Oakland, CA, sisters; Syvilla Fort (Kenneth) of Seattle, WA and Effie Fort-Ashley (Kenneth) of Stockton, CA, brother; John W. Fort Jr. of Oakland, CA, eleven grandchildren; Eldanta, JoQui, Jai, Jahmai, Antoine, Gionni, Dahmari, Kaleah, Nia, Anthony and Imani, three nieces; Dorrise, Nisha and Delyse , four nephews; Wesley, Johnathan, Marlon and Shawn, cousins; Patsy Bennett and Ida Gantt, eleven godsons; Antonio Richner, James Cullins, James Richardson, Earl Kennedy, Sam Hill, Bakari Wilright, Johnathan Greene, Dominick Jefferson, Norman Williams and Kevin Matthews, six goddaughters; Tanya Lewis, Vanessa Holloway, Barzeil Cotton, Dayshante O’Neal, Porshe Holloway and Charlie Simpson, two godsisters; Rachelle Powe and Gerri Lovett, godbrother; Donald Seals all of Oakland, CA, best friend Wilma Walker, and a host of other family and friends.

Gwen will be greatly missed, but always in our hearts.