Gwendolyn Ridgway

Gwendolyn Mahalia Brown-Ridgway was born on February 5th, 1927 to John Brown and Adina Williams in Petersville, Westmoreland, Jamaica West Indies; where she also attended school and completed most of her academic education. Gwendolyn transitioned peacefully from this world surrounded by her family to be with her Lord and Savior on March 3rd, 2025.

Gwendolyn's life was defined by her unwavering faith, her strength of character, and her devotion to family. She was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Edison St. Verley Ridgway for over 50 years, who predeceased her 29 years ago. Together, they raised a beautiful family, and their union was blessed with nine children: Leroy (deceased), Eleanor, Lorna, Lorraine (deceased), Winsome, Marie, Marcia (deceased), Caulette and Erwin.

Gwendolyn and her family migrated to the United States where both parents made White Plains, New York their home. Family was one of the most important things to our Mother. She worked in the Healthcare and Hotel Industry until she retired. She was a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church, where she volunteered in many rolls. Gwendolyn was a Deaconess; active participant of Sunday School; a Missionary; and participated in various auxiliaries. Her love for God, family and her church were immeasurable, and her life was a testimony to her steadfast faith, and dedication to her community.

Gwendolyn’s faith was a beacon of hope and encouragement to all who encountered her. She would often say to those facing difficulties, "Give the worst thing the best thought" - an enduring expression of her grace, humility, and joyful spirit. Her hobbies were travel; reading, especially the Bible; during her formative years, horseback riding was one of her favorites; cross word puzzles; horticulture; and a host of other interests. When her children would share something exciting, she would immediately begin singing a song, then her well known expression to us would be "And How".

Her sudden departure leaves a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who knew her. Gwendolyn leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will continue to inspire generations to come. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Gwendolyn is survived by her Children: Eleanor, Lorna, Winsome, Marie, Caulette and Erwin; Sister Elva; Daughter-in-law Tanga; Sons-in-law: Apostle Cecil Riley, Errol Hamilton, Roy Leslie; Grandchildren: Leroy Jr, Elizabeth, Nickol, Esther, Diane, Natasha, Cody, Taylor, Tennille, Jamie, John Earle, Hunter, and Rayne; along with her extended family, a host of dear friends and well-wishers. Her passing is a reminder of the precious time we are given, and the importance of living each day with love, joy, peace, and faith.

May she rest in eternal peace!

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ATTENTION: During the continuing COVID & various health concerns, as we phase back into smaller capacity public visitations/services, we need your help in limiting/controlling the number of people, so please govern yourself accordingly for the health & safety of all. Thank you so kindly!

A Wake/Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 19th 2025, from 11:00AM-12:00PM at Bethel Baptist Church, followed by Funeral Service at 12:00PM. So you may come to the Church to try to attend, & feel free to wear masks. At the very least you can get hand sanitizer & sign the register book (NOTE: please feel free to bring your own pen). If not at capacity, you will be allowed in to have a seat; but if at capacity by the time you get there, you may be required to leave the premises after signing register book, so as not to be in violation nor cause a health hazard, so please govern yourself accordingly. Regardless of if you're able to enter/be seated, or not, please refrain from too much touching/hugging/handshaking, preferably elbow bumping briefly if at all. If instructed, PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY leave the building & premises if the church is at their capacity. PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY follow & abide by the directions of the funeral home staff and/or church & cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & policies, so as to make all go smoothly the day of the services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the funeral home and/or church, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.

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The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the Family of Gwendolyn Ridgway entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Ridgway Family during their time of bereavement.

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Please leave written condolences now herein on the Memory Wall to express your sorrow, share your memories, and as an expression of sympathy & way to communicate with/offer comfort to the family, that they and others may see, and may be a lasting tribute in her honor, whether you're able to attend or not. Definitely Please SIGN IN on the Memory Wall as a virtual way of signing the register book, especially if choosing to stay safe/not able to sign in person.

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Please feel free to come to the church wearing a mask, & feel free to wear a mask inside the church &/or at cemetery, and social distance as much as possible. If you know you have a coronavirus/COVID-19; are sick/experiencing symptoms of coronavirus/COVID-19; are immuno-compromised and/or have health/other conditions that make your body more susceptible to illness, please do NOT attend any services nor come to any facility. Please feel free to bring & use your own pen for signing the family's register book - you are encouraged to please BRING & use your own PEN for signing. Please follow & abide by the rules of the church, and directions of the funeral home staff and/or church & cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & any policies, so as to make all go smoothly the days of the services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the church and/or funeral home, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.

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You may send flowers, and/or as a lasting tribute, donations be made in her name/memory/honor to St. Jude's Hospital &/or Shriners Hospital for Children (may be done on your own or through the donation tabs/links here in website at the bottom of this page). You may also plant a tree in her name/memory/honor, as another form of condolence. If sending flowers, they may be delivered on either on Tues. March 18th, 2025 by/before 6:00PM to Lee's Funeral Home, or on Wed. March 19th by/before 10:45AM to Bethel Baptist Church. The Family Thanks You!