Martha Gwendolyn (Gwen) Leach

Martha Gwendolyn "Gwen" Leach, age 87, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, peacefully entered her heavenly home on July 14, 2026, in Tuscaloosa. She was born on September 17, 1938, in Tuscaloosa to the late Troy L. Smith and Jessie Isbell Smith.

A lifelong resident of Tuscaloosa, Gwen spent nearly all of her life in the community she loved, with the exception of a brief time in Panama City, Florida, where she met the love of her life, Charles "Chuck" Leach. They shared a devoted marriage of 61 years, built on faith, love, and unwavering commitment.

Gwen attended Tuscaloosa City Schools and graduated from Tuscaloosa Senior High School in 1957. She began her career with South Central Bell Telephone Company before dedicating herself to caring for her home and lovingly serving members of her family. Her life was marked by selflessness, kindness, and a heart for others.

A faithful servant of the Lord, Gwen was a lifelong member of Forest Lake Baptist Church. She remained active in her church family until declining health made her homebound. Her quiet faith, gentle spirit, and caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She was especially cherished as "Aunt Gwen" by her many nieces and nephews, all of whom knew her as a source of love, encouragement, and unwavering support.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Troy L. Smith and Jessie Isbell Smith; her sister, Jacqueline Smith; and her brother, Troy Smith Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Charles "Chuck" Leach; her sisters, Marilyn Chambers and Marceline Mott; her sister-in-law, Lenora Smith; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and her church family.

A celebration of Gwen's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, with Dr. Donald Payne officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Memory Hills Gardens.

Pallbearers include Terry Smith, Randy Smith, Mike Chambers, Carlton Brewer, Daniel Mott, and Cliff Raeder.

Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of Forest Lake Baptist Church.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown during this time. Gwen's legacy of faith, compassion, and devotion to her family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23