Gwendolyn A. Mitchell was born (Gwendolyn A. Jones) on March 16, 1943, in Tampa, Florida. Gwenn, as she preferred to be called was the second daughter of the late Edward Claude Jones and Flossie Mae (Bethea) Jones. Gwenn was educated in various Hillsborough County Schools, culminating her graduation at Middleton High School in 1961. While at Middleton High School Gwenn enjoyed playing the Clarinet and participating in the high school marching band. At a young age, Gwenn learned the skill of homemaking and sewing and became a very accomplished seamstress. Gwenn was self-taught in the art of knitting, crocheting, ceramics, and macram. She made beautiful items sharing them with family and friends. Gwenn loved many beautiful and exotic things and expressed her love for color and flair in how she coordinated her wardrobe. Gwenn's zeal for education drove her to matriculate at Gibb's Jr. College in St. Petersburg, Florida. She continued her studies at Knoxville College in Tennessee; a(n) Historically Black College and University, with an Associate's of Arts degree majoring in English with a minor concentration in French.

Gwenn joined the U.S. Army in 1971 serving in the Women's Army Corps. Her military career allowed her to travel across the US as well as overseas, stationed in Ft. McClelland, Alabama, Ft. Ord, Monterey, California, as well as to Okinawa, Japan; Mainland Japan, and Korea. Gwenn went on to travel to Guam and the Philippines for additional military training and specialty services. Gwenn's military career ended in 1976 where she returned to her native Tampa.

Gwenn's post-military career included Florida Steel Corporation, FL Schwartz, and retirement from Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court, supporting the Traffic Court System. Even after retirement, Gwenn went on to work at the Tampa Cruise Port and lastly working with The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office as a part-time School Crossing Guard. Gwenn was a member of the Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace where she served in the food pantry ministry, helping to feed families in the local community.

Gwenn expressed a deep interest in many other cultures and countries. She loved to read, gather historical research, collect artifacts as well as share her knowledge of many things. Gwenns love of cruising allowed her to see and experience the many cultures and countries she loved. She most recently traveled to Panama to celebrate the 100th Birthday of a Panamanian Matriarch. This last international trip was a major accomplishment for Gwenn because she wanted to take part in the celebration of such a blessed milestone.

Gwenn perfected the art of giving. She gave unselfishly and she gave from her heart. Her gifts were always very personal and tailor-made just for you. Giving was a very big part of Gwenn's character and she gave with conviction, intent, and love. Her love of giving was only second to her love for her family. Whenever she could she would make sure to attend school award ceremonies, plays, graduations, basketball games, soccer games, football games, cheerleading competitions, birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, business openings, and family get-togethers. Her physical presence in our lives will truly be missed, but her spiritual presence will continue to live on in our hearts.

On Sunday, September 19, 2021, at 3:30 PM. Gwenn earned her wings and peacefully departed this life to rest in her eternal home in Glory. Gwenn was preceded in death by her father Edward Claude Jones and Flossie M. Jones; sister Carolyn Jones Burgess; niece Yolanda D. Jones; brothers Robert Wilson, James Wilson, Leon Harvey Jones, and Nathaniel Jones.


Gwenn leaves to cherish her memory Daughter, Skyra Mitchell-Young and devoted Son in Law Rudy Young; Grandchildren Catelia Young Yorker (Johnathan), Gregory Edward Young Sr., Kawuan Rogers Hopkins (Quincy), Kristal Rogers Fuller (Kevin); Great Grandchildren Kevin Young (Kieia), Ke'Andre Young (Zondria), Samolia Simone Simmons, Kasone' Alexander Shakespeare, Gregory Edward Young Jr., Quentin Xavier Hopkins, Kamryn Monique Hopkins, Kylie Shay Fuller, Cameron Xavior Young, Kevin Khristian Emmanuel Fuller (KK); Great Great Grandchildren KeAndre Young II (KJ), Za'Keyia Young; Brothers Albert Wilson, Charles Jones (Maggie), and Theodore Jones; Sister In Law Ofelia Felicia Jones (The Late Leon Harvey Jones). Gwenn also leaves a great legacy of love with a host of Nieces, Nephews, God-Daughters, God-Sons, Church Family, Co-Workers, Neighbors, and Lifelong Sister Friends to share her memories.

Visitation
Aikens Funeral Home
Thursday, September 30, 2021
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
2708 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Tampa, Florida 33610

Funeral Service
Chapel of Hope. Aikens Funeral Home
Friday, October 1, 2021
11:00 AM
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33610