Fay Etta Guinn was born on January 24, 1953, a brisk Friday morning, to the proud parents Ray and Mary Elizabeth Williams, a daughter he asked the Lord for. People traveled near and far to see her. Her mom would often kid with her saying, “You were the last pea in the field.”
She began singing in church at the tender age of two. She was so small her dad had to stand her up on the piano so everyone could see from where this big beautiful voice was coming. She attended Clark County Public Schools and graduated from Arkadelphia High School as a member of the National Honor Society in 1970. Her claim to fame was singing with the Clark Sisters and the O’Neal Twins at Church of God in Christ national meetings. Fay represented the Southwest Arkansas Jurisdiction at the National Sunshine Band in Memphis, TN.
Fay attended Ouachita Baptist University in 1970 and later moved to Grand Rapids, MI for a year. In 1974 she moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina near Camp Lejeune. While there, she met the love her life, a handsome marine corps officer named Charles Guinn. They married on October 29, 1977 and together raised a beautiful family of three, two daughters and one son. The Guinn family welcomed us in as a joy to their fold.
Fay Guinn was an excellent early childhood educator for over thirty years, who enriched the lives of so many children. She received the Teacher of the Year Award in her division of the Children’s Learning Center. A beautiful plaque was placed on the exterior wall at Childtime Learning Center (Mesquite, TX) in recognition of 20 years of dedication. She truly loved to teach.
Fay joined Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church in 1978, under pastorage of Johnny K. Bryant, Sr., and remained a faithful member until she was called home. She was a member of the women’s chorus and health ministry and attended Bible study. She recently joined her beloved “Silver Stars” where she developed deep personal relationships that she cherished.
Fay was known for her angelic voice, great sense of style and fashion as well as her beautiful smile and witty sense of humor. She taught us the importance of family, education, loyalty, good manners and most of all putting God first. She loved her family fiercely and will truly be missed. Although we are deeply saddened and heartbroken over this loss, she is home with the Lord resting peacefully. She is healed.
Fay, Mom, Mimi says, “I’ve had a wonderful life and God blessed it.”
To reflect on memories, a very devoted and loving husband Charles Guinn, two wonderful daughters Rashundra Harvey (Craig), Dr. LaToya Keglovits (Jason), one awesome son Philip Guinn (Tiara), one praying preacher-father Superintendent R.L. Williams Sr., one beautiful sister Mrs. Emma Jean Hooks, four adorable grandsons Niles Harvey, Dylan Keglovits, Grayson Keglovits and Ethan Keglovits, brothers Alfred Scott and James, Michael and Joe Watson, In-Laws Richard Guinn, Peggy Guinn, Cora Robinson, special cousins Charlotte Owens Neal (Bob), Eula Grant, Jane Knox, one special goddaughter Ashleigh Jones, special sisters in Christ Patricia Ward, Brenda Lee, Marsha Taylor, Veronica Cobb, Mattie Gowans, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Fay Guinn says, “I love you. Remember, what you do for Christ will last.”
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Guinn family.
