Gwendolyn Swanier

Gwendolyn Annette Moses Swanier was born on July 24, 1957, to Lawrence Moses, Jr. and Edna Barnes Moses in Chicago, Illinois. She was the youngest of six children born to this union.

Gwendolyn accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Central Memorial Church. Later, Gwendolyn united with Greater Rosehill Missionary Baptist Church.

Gwendolyn always had a heart full of love and kindness.

Gwendolyn attended Jacob Beidler Elementary School, J. Sterling Morton Upper Grade Center and John Marshall High School. She continued her greater educational aspirations at Alcorn State University where she academically achieved and proudly earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science.

Gwendolyn, while matriculating at Alcorn State University, also became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Zeta Chapter – an organization of visionary women whose founding principles were built on “the ideals of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood” – each that were reflective of Gwen’s deeply held personal values. She exemplified these ideals everyday of her life journey encouraging others to pursue the highest ideals.
Gwendolyn worked for United Insurance for many years performing underwriting and customer service. She later worked for AON in customer service.

Gwendolyn was united in holy matrimony with Herbert Swanier on May 23, 1993. They later divorced.

Gwendolyn enjoyed putting together scrapbooks for her family and loved ones. She also held a keen interest in broad range of topics such as history, politics, culture, current events and music that shaped our community and our world. She would astutely engage in the lively art of conversation on these topics. She also enjoyed her travels. One of her most memorable trips was her journey to Kenya keeping a daily diary of her exciting and eye-opening experiences.

Gwendolyn affectionately known as Gwen, was the “BEST” Aunt to all her nephews and nieces. She loved them all. She loved putting together holiday plays for Christmas and Easter with them.

Gwendolyn loved the Lord, her family and her church with all her heart. She especially enjoyed attending family reunions to fellowship with her extended family.

On Sunday, July 20, 2025, Gwendolyn was called home to be with the Lord.

Gwendolyn leaves to cherish her memory, her sisters, Rosemary McCoy of Broadview, IL; Christine Lenoir of Oak Park, IL, and Augustine (Charles) Hill of Oak Park, IL; sisters-in-law, Janice Moses of Chicago, IL, and Barbara Moses of Kansas City, MO; aunt, Clynell Moses of Bethlehem, GA; and a host of cherished nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and the loving congregation of Greater Rosehill Missionary Baptist Church.

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