Gwendolyn Ruth Kendrick

Gwendolyn Ruth McDade Kendrick, 76, of Alexander, AR, was called to be with the Lord on March 7, 2026. Gwendolyn was born in Little Rock, AR, the beloved second child of Arthur McDade, Jr. and Johnnie Lee Henson McDade.

Gwendolyn graduated from Horace Mann High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was awarded an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Shorter College in North Little Rock, Arkansas. She also matriculated Philander Smith College, where she met the love of her life, Lewis E. Kendrick, Sr. Their union of 55 years was blessed with four children: Angela, Lewis, Jr., Steven, and Gwyneth.

A woman of deep faith with a great love for the Lord, Gwendolyn served as First Lady at Miracles of Faith Church for over a decade. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of having an intimate relationship with the Lord.

Gwendolyn had a passion for gardening, decorating and cherished family gatherings and trips, especially in celebration of Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was a loving, nurturing mother and was devoted to caring for her children and grandchildren, whom she fondly referred to as her heartbeats. She will be truly missed by all who were blessed to be in her company, as she was beloved by many.

Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur McDade Jr. and Johnnie Lee Henson McDade, and her sister, Patricia McDade Grant.

Gwendolyn is survived by her husband, Lewis E. Kendrick, Sr.; her children, Angela D. Kendrick, Esq., Lewis E. Kendrick, Jr. (Susan), Steven Kendrick, and Gwyneth Mason (Maceo); her grandchildren, Kaitlyn Joy Kendrick, Lewis E. Kendrick, III, London Kendrick, Lorenz Kendrick, Keylan Kendrick, Steven Kelley Kendrick, Jr., Mya Marie Little, Gwendolyn Deloris Kendrick, Jasmine Kelis Kendrick, and Micah Mason; and her great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings: Dr. Linda McDade Parker of Little Rock and Arthur McDade III, MBA, of Little Rock, her aunts and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, and cherished friends.

Visitation will be Thursday March 19, 2026 6:00 – 7:00 PM at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be the following day, Friday, March 20, 2026 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Graveside services will be 1:00 PM at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.