Gwen was loved and respected by all who knew her. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and mentor to us all. She was a ‘lady’ of grace, beauty, kindness and generosity. Strong and intelligent, witty and clumsy. Yes, mom was quite clumsy. We love her and miss her so very much. We cannot fathom her not being with us any longer. We know she will always be here within us and her essence will guide us and comfort us throughout our lives. We know she would want us to be strong for each other, kind to each other, love those around us with all of our hearts, and remember, she is no longer in pain. “Healing comes from all of us, freely given to comfort us when in need. Our need is now and we will accept and give comfort to all in our path. Our journey may be long and hard, yet we will remain faithful to ourselves and our beliefs as we travel through unknown territory.”
Gwen retired from her role as the Assistant Director of the Worker’s Compensation Fund for the State of South Carolina.
She is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Bill Adkins, and their little 13 pound ball of fur, Xena. Her amazing sister Ellen Hyatt (Robert) and their two girls, Sharon Sheffield (Tim) and Karen Hurt (Steve). Her wonderful oldest son, Blane Johnson (Gwen), their children Teresa Roof (Barry and children Andy and Clay), Christina Richburg (children Chandler, Braxdyn, Shaylynn and Elissa), Ian Johnson (Maria), and Breanna Johnson Livingston (Wesley and child Adilynn). Her beautiful daughter Rene Walker (Wayne) and Gwen’s devoted youngest son, Todd Johnson (Judith) and the “Wolf Pack” – the Johnson-Hawking family Gael, Belen Gwendolyn and Isais.
Gwen is preceded in death by her grandson, Alexander Ryan Johnson.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2021, at the Caughman Harman Funeral Home, West Columbia Chapel, 820 W Dunbar Road, West Columbia S.C. 29170. Followed by graveside at Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, SC 29170.
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