Gwendolyn Ann Nellum

In Loving Memory of Gwendolyn Ann Nellum

Today, we gather to honor the remarkable life of Gwendolyn Ann Nellum, 69, of Beckley, West Virginia. Born on July 24, 1955, Gwen peacefully departed this life on September 23, 2024, to be with her heavenly Father.

Gwen is preceded in death by her father, Charles Nellum; her son, Richard Nellum; her stepfather, Franklin Pye; and her siblings, Victor Nellum, James Nellum, and Clifford Cotton, as well as her beloved nephew, Freddy Wooden Jr.

Gwen received her education in the Beckley City Public Schools before moving to Columbus, Ohio, where she earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from DeVry and an associate degree in Business from Southern Ohio College. Before retiring, she spent 27 years as a devoted employee of Roxanne Laboratories. 

Gwen was a beautiful soul, both inside and out. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and radiated joy wherever she went. A true family woman, she was the light in her loved ones’ lives, offering strength during difficult times. Her resilience and unwavering faith inspired everyone around her.

Those who knew Gwen recognized her as strong-willed, selfless, meek, caring, loyal and a woman who was true to her word. She was a devoted listener, always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand. She would always be there when you needed to talk, vent, laugh, and you couldn’t wait to hear her perspective on things. She was so smart, you couldn’t get anything over on her. She was quiet, the one that would sit back and analyze things, but she was quiet until she wasn’t. Everyone that knew her knows she was direct and straight to the point even if it hurt your feelings. When that eyebrow raised and she gave you that look, you knew she wasn’t dealing with no foolishness- she kept it real! Music was her go to. It was soothing to her soul. She loved her old school and would blow them speakers out, dancing the night away, just life of the party wherever she was. 

Gwen was a devoted Mother and Grandmother, fiercely loving her children and grandchildren. She would always go all out for her children, Ricky, Tamika and Dontae. She loved them more than life itself, she was always a supportive Mother throughout the good times and the bad. She loved her grandkids more than anything. They knew they could always count on her support, regardless of the circumstances. They knew they could run to Grandma, and she would have their back no matter what, she never cared if they were right or wrong, you couldn’t mess with her grandbabies. Her whole family was everything to her. She was so funny, always cracked a joke, talking her stuff then change over to fuss and then you would just be on the floor laughing and crying in tears, seriously she really should have been a comedian. She was the life of the party, and her humor brought laughter to every gathering. 

A die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Gwen never missed a game and loved to cheer on her team in her scarlet and gray watching it especially with her sisters and brothers. Cooking was another passion; some of her favorites were collard greens with ham hock, and she loved her turkey legs too, blackeye peas, pinto beans, cornbread and cabbage…always had some beans on the stove simmering and loved making her famous homemade peach cobbler and sweet potato pie. Mama could throw down, she got that from her mama. Her garden flourished with fresh fruits and vegetables, a testament to her love for nurturing and teaching her children the importance of self-sufficiency.

Gwendolyn leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory. Among them is her devoted and beautiful mother, Marjorie Pye; her children, Tamika Nellum and Dontae Nellum; her beloved grandchildren, Danaisha Nellum (Greg), Sadique Nellum (Morgan), Sha’de Harris, Dontae Nellum Jr., Milijah Nellum, and Dalila Nellum; and her great-grandchildren, Gregory Finch Jr., Gianna Finch, and Serenity Nellum; her loving siblings, Howard, Jerry, and Bob Nellum, Gloria Cotton, Alma Burton, and Patricia Carter; her goddaughter, Tiffany Keith; her spiritual sister, Percetia West; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Gwen, we will carry your spirit with us always. Your love, laughter, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Thank you for being the incredible person you were. You will be deeply missed.