Navigation
FANCY PASTRY SHOP
|
| Dorothy Gween Widener November 17, 1947 - August 27, 2023 |
Dorothy Gwen Widener, 75, went home to be with her Lord on the morning of Sunday, August 27, 2023, at her daughter’s home. She passed away with Christmas music playing to celebrate her favorite holiday. She loved it so much that she dedicated a room in her basement where family and friends could gather to honor the birth of Jesus Christ, eat delicious food, play games, and exchange gifts. She always gave from her heart. She was born on November 17, 1947, in Winston-Salem, NC to the late William H. Clayton and Dorothy Juanita Wall.
She bravely endured a life of many challenges; watching her son battle with drug and alcohol addiction, which eventually led to a fatal overdose, her own mental health issues, lung cancer, her daughter’s battle with breast cancer, missing the birth of her granddaughter due to a horrible accident which required emergency surgery, Parkinson’s Disease, and trials of everyday life. She was generally a private person who rarely socialized outside of family. She was quick to form an opinion, so what her mouth didn’t say, her face did. A co-worker once told her she had a facial expression for every emotion. She was very proud of her country and supported veterans with prayer and charitable contributions. She also believed in, prayed for, and financially supported the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission.
Gwen’s unwavering faith in her Heavenly Father is the foundation upon which she lived her life and raised her two children, Michelle and Steven. She loved to spend quiet time with the Lord and quality time with her family. She was always a prayer warrior for those in need. Her family will miss her in their lives, but they rejoice in knowing she is in the arms of the Lord, is now pain-free, and they will see her again in Heaven.
She had a very special bond with her only grandchild, Hope. Although she wanted Hope to refer to her as “Grandmother,” as a toddler Hope always called her “Baby.” So, after many failed attempts to be called “Grandmother,” she became affectionately known as “Baby.” She always said she loved Hope too much to spoil her rotten. Whenever Hope got in trouble, she would say to her “You don’t want to go down Spank Lane.” Hope has many fond memories of Baby attending her softball and soccer games, dance recitals, Girl Scout events, piano recitals, birthday parties, Baby, mommy & me sleepovers (yes, they painted one another’s nails), painting ceramics, cooking and using Oskar the Food Processor, making Rice Krispies treats, 4:00 am Black Friday shopping trips, teaching her to tap on the plate with the bat when she was ready to hit the ball, but most importantly reading and learning about Jesus. She would always end their visits or phone calls by asking; “Who loves you best, than all the rest?” and Hope would answer; “Baby.” That was their very special love language. Hope is proud to be the fourth generation, where Dorothy is the first name. Family traditions were important to her.
|
She retired from RJR Archer, the packaging division of RJR Industries with almost 30 years of dedicated service. While working at RJR Archer, she joined a bowling league, where she was known as “Power Arm Widener.”
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her only son, Steven Taylor Widener; her children’s father, Densel Avery Widener; three sisters, Barbara Cranfill, Becky Atkinson, and Judy Jones; and one nephew, James Ray Robinson.
Surviving is her daughter (Dorothy) Michelle Widener Carter, and husband Kenneth; beloved granddaughter, Dorothy Hope Mendenhall; one brother-in-law, Steve Atkinson; one nephew, Terry Cranfill; three nieces, Gina Slater, Cathy Copeland, and Jackie Jones; and former spouse Jared Roberts, whom she cared for deeply.
In the years before her health declined, she loved decorating for various holidays, reading, painting ceramics, collecting porcelain dolls, making creative flower arrangements, sewing, and many other craft activities. She also enjoyed cooking for her family. Some of their favorites include macaroni & cheese, chicken salad, custard pie, fried potatoes, strawberry cream pie, milk gravy, Rice Krispies treats, chicken parmesan, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw, to name a few.
In her latter years, she enjoyed watching TV. Some of her favorite shows were: Little House on the Prairie, In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley, The Waltons, Gunsmoke, Big Valley, Maverick, Hazel, Leave it to Beaver, and John Wayne movies.
At her request, the family will have a private memorial service to celebrate her life, fellowship together, and share special memories. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292
Please click the link below to donate:
HOSPICE OF DAVIDSON COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA INC - Support Hospice of Davidson County (networkforgood.com)
In her memory, make someone laugh, share a smile, give a hug, send an encouraging card or text, say “I love you,” and spread kindness. Make the world a better place by shining the light of Christ’s love every day.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support from family and friends. They would like to recognize her Hospice of Davidson County team which treated her like she was their own mother. They gave quality care from their hearts for more than a year. Her team included nurses, Kendal & Tammy; CNA’s, Jamie & Mary, Social Worker, DeAsia; Chaplain, Miranda and Counselor, Emily. They would like to also thank Dr. Betsy English, her Physician for many years, for treating and caring for her as her patient, but for loving and praying for her as her friend. A very special thank you is being sent to Robyn Justice, her Caregiver, for her love, friendship, dedication and compassion. They truly had a special bond like sisters.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Dorothy Gween Widener, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
|
|
Obituary Categories
|
Home 
