Gwendolyn Joyce McNeal (Hall), known to most as "Gwen" was born June 14, 1949, to the late Willie Russ, Sr. and Marie H. Russ in Donalsonville, GA. As the eldest of five, Willie Russ, Jr., Patricia Clayton, Debra Toombs, and Ronald Russ (deceased), she naturally assumed the role of leader and caretaker for her family. Gwen attended Carver Heights High School in Leesburg, FL, where she graduated in 1967. Shortly after graduating from high school, Gwen moved to Tampa, FL, where she gave birth to four sons: Steven Carr (deceased), Fidell Carr, Tavaras Carr, and Tori Carr. At a young age, Gwen found Christ at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Leesburg, FL, and carried her faith with grace throughout her life. She was an active and vibrant member of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa, FL, lending her voice to the choir and pouring her creativity into making beautiful decorative arrangements that brought joy to many. Her faith was not just something she practiced; it was something she lived. She gave selflessly, served quietly, and loved deeply. Professionally, Gwen worked full-time for many years with Honeywell and Verizon before retiring. Even as she balanced work and family, she never lost sight of her true gift, creativity. With a passion for design and a heart for celebration, she founded "Bows by Gwen", a business she created from her love of making life's special moments even more precious. She crafted floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and countless events, including for many in her family. Her work was not just decoration, it was an extension of her love, her spirit, and her desire to bring joy to others.

Gwen was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister, caring cousin, and faithful friend. Known for her strong will and candid nature, she was also appreciated for her unwavering generosity. Holidays and gatherings were sacred for her, not just for celebration, but for togetherness. She insisted that her family stay connected, and her home became a sanctuary for that togetherness. From Sundays, holidays, and moments in between, her presence anchored them all. She was the heart of those gatherings, the keeper of traditions, and the person many turned to for strength. Her light will continue to shine through the family she nurtured and the memories she gave.

Gwendolyn Joyce McNeal (Hall) is preceded in death by her husband, Tom Hall; mother, Marie Russ; and son, Steven Carr, Sr.

She is survived by her children, Fidell Carr (Janice), Tavaras Carr (Antoinette), and Tori Carr (Tawana); grandchildren, Tierra Carr, Steven Carr, Jr., Bryson Carr, Montenell Carr, Chanelle Carr, Ashley Mike (Kobe), Asia Carr, Aniyah Carr, Arianna Carr, London Carr, Laniya Carr, Mikayla Carr, and Anthony Carr, Michael Zeigler, Jr., Stevie Chisholm, Jr., and Jerrick Jovan Chisholm; great-grandchildren, Joesph "JoJo", Zayn Carr, Noah Carr, Sariyah Carr, Lucille Carr, and Ava Marie Cohen; siblings, Willie Russ, Jr. (Tyaisha), Patricia Clayton, and Debra Toombs; nieces and nephews, Andrew Russ(Adriane), Melissa Russ, Christopher Russ, Benjamin Russ, Jaydan Russ, Dylan Russ, Tristan Russ, Tricia Clayton, Temelia Clayton, Robert Toombs (Christalle), Derrick Toombs (Anya), Sophia Johnson, Jacquelyn Johnson, Jerome Russ, Daquan Rhodes, and Deshawn Russ; cousins, Kitty Oliver, Estella Johnson, Kathy Campbell (Marvin), Al Copeland, Jr. (Felicia), Alfredia Mulkey, Shawna Leeks, and Nicole Leeks; devoted friends, Vernell Walker, Pat LaFrance, Brenda Williams, and Janet Smith;  godchildren, Tanya Batchelor, Levi and Carmi Wright; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.