Gwendolyn Gustafson

Gwen was born on July 4, 1930 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, but from early childhood she was raised in Auburn, New York, where she lived with her mother Ethel Farrell (“Auntie”) in the household of her grandmother Minnie Casler McLachlan and her step-grandfather John P. (“Maxie”) McLachlan. She never knew her father. As a child, “Gwennie” was led by her mother to a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, the faith she maintained throughout her life. Minnie died when Gwen was 11, and Maxie, the following year. Gwen lived in a number of different homes after her step-grandfather’s death, while her mother was chronically ill and often hospitalized. Young Gwen was loved and supported by families of Second Baptist Church in Auburn. She was recognized as a special vocal talent both in the church and in the Auburn community.

After high school, Gwen intended to enter the workforce, but she was encouraged by members of her church to attend Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. Gwen studied voice at BJU, where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During college she met fellow music student Dwight Gustafson from Seattle, Washington, and they were married on their graduation day in 1952 by Dr. Bob Jones, Sr., the college president, in his office.

Upon graduation Gwen and Dwight joined the music faculty at BJU, where they spent their lives and raised their four children on the college campus. Gwen was a frequent soloist in operas, oratorios, and concerts. The children observed their parents’ musical rehearsals and performances, and eventually joined in those activities. Gwen derived great joy from her more than 30 years of teaching voice. She loved her students, and they loved her. In addition, she was committed to her role as a “campus parent” to incoming freshman students, hosting them in her home and keeping in touch with some of them for years. Gwen and Dwight were members of Hampton Park Baptist Church.

Gwen regularly sang solos (and duets with Dwight) in church services, revival meetings, and family camps. As a singer, Gwen was, above all, a communicator, and she believed that a vocal soloist has a unique opportunity to give a testimony of faith in song. She taught this conviction to her children and students. Gwen treasured her connections with people, and she related to her colleagues in a caring, positive way. She had a sharp intellect, a lively sense of humor, a ready laugh, and a quick wit. Her children have warm memories of sitting with her at the kitchen table, laughing, discussing serious topics, and usually drinking a cup of hot tea. Because the family ate their meals at the BJU Dining Common, Gwen made Sunday night suppers at home an important family tradition for decades, eventually with her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by Dwight in 2014, and is survived by her four children: Dianne (widow of Jay-Martin Pinner), David (married to Sharon Fast), Donna (married to Jonathan Pavluk), and Gale (married to Douglas Manor); and by 15 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday from 6-7:30 PM at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park on 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC.

A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on August 29 at the War Memorial Chapel on Bob Jones University campus, and Gwen will be buried at Graceland East Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to the Dwight and Gwen Gustafson Endowment at BJU, at the link provided below (select “Gustafson Endowment”). Or you may send a check to BJU, 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC 29614, and designate the “Gustafson Endowment.”