Gwendolyn Brinson

January 25, 1956 – May 27, 2025

Gwendolyn Brinson, 69, of Reading, Pennsylvania, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 25, 1956, in New York City, the beloved daughter of the late William and Joanne (Barnes) Custis.

Gwendolyn was a woman of unwavering faith who dedicated her life to serving the Lord. She loved attending church, sharing the Word of God, and speaking about the many ways He brought her through life’s challenges. Known as a bold and passionate witness, she spread the message of Jesus Christ throughout her neighborhood and beyond. Gwendolyn was a true worshiper, a dedicated prayer warrior, and a lover of the Word. She took great joy in encouraging and advocating for women, teaching them to stand up for themselves and reminding them never to let anyone take advantage of their worth.

She was lovingly straightforward and never afraid to speak her mind—but always with compassion and love. Gwendolyn faithfully served as both a Deacon and Church Mother at Hope Fellowship Christian Center under the leadership of Apostle Kim R. Brewer. She was also a proud mother and grandmother, always speaking highly of her family and sharing how proud she was of them.

As a teenager, Gwendolyn loved to dance and had a strong, fun-loving spirit. She was passionate about boxing and sports, and music was a huge part of her life. Her favorite groups included The Jackson 5, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang, Chaka Khan, and The Temptations. She was well liked in her community and loved spending time with her cousins—especially on trips to amusement parks, zoos, and block parties.

Gwendolyn attended William Howard Taft High School and later earned her high school diploma and a degree in Medical Secretarial studies. She worked hard throughout her life, including several years at Russell Stover Candy Factory in Marion, SC, as an assembly worker. She spent a decade working at Electronite in Philadelphia, PA, making test tubes for steel, worked as a line cook at Nazareth Hospital, and served as an airplane cleaner at LaGuardia Airport.

In her downtime, Gwendolyn enjoyed her favorite television shows such as Let’s Make a Deal, The Price is Right, Lottery Dream Home, Bonanza (especially the Cartwright boys), Walker, Texas Ranger, and The Rifleman. She loved going out to eat and spending quality time with her family.

Above all, Gwendolyn will be remembered as an Overcomer. Despite her health challenges and chronic back pain, she pressed forward—still attending church, still traveling, and walking as long as her legs would allow. Her philosophy was simple but powerful: “If I’m still alive, I have a reason to keep going.” She rarely complained and stayed grounded in faith, prayer, and the Word of God.

Gwendolyn leaves behind a legacy of strength, faith, integrity, and service. Her honesty, wisdom, and love touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her two children, Shantae M. Johnson and James E. Brinson, Jr.; her granddaughter, Jakeya Moore and husband Henry Moore, Jr.; and her great-granddaughter, Destiny Moore. Her spirit will live on in all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life Service for Gwendolyn will be Friday, June 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Theo C Auman, 247 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19601. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.theocauman.com for the Brinson family.