Gwendolyn Bernadette Barnes

GWENDOLYN  BERNADETTE McCOLLOUGH-BARNES was born October 27, 1957 to Ernest and Doris McCollough in Los Angeles, California. She was the first born of eight children and Gwen had five brothers, Ernest Jr., Kenneth, William, Michael and Mark, and two sisters, Yolanda and Luana.

Gwen was fascinated at an early age with reading. She used to brag about her book collection and was very proud of her library. She enjoyed writing at an early age and kept diary's and journals of all the things she enjoyed reading. She loved talking about all the intricacies of all the stories to whoever would listen; you could not fool her or pretend because she would know. Her mind was brilliant and well organized, and we knew right away that she was a high achiever, enjoyed school and excelled in all her studies.

She was compassionate about helping people at such an early age. She went on to attend Mount Saint Mary's College for her Nursing Degree and later found employment at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles, California, where she worked many years.

Gwen's selfless concerns were undeniable, her compassion for others was exceptional. She was dedicated to the service of caring for others at the worst times of their lives to give them hope and comfort and she was appreciated, loved and respected by many.

When Gwen met Greg, something special happened. She fell in "Love" with the love of her life and entered into Holy Matrimony. Uniting the McCollough-Barnes Family increased and strengthened the family bond with Mommy Barnes (Susie), Uncle Bobo (Franklin Bell), son Gerrod, brother Fred, and two sisters Orlita and Kelly, among several nieces, nephews, family and friends. Together Gwen and Greg would travel the world and share their life experiences with everyone. Together they loved to entertain and bring people together. Together for better or worse they persevered and  found the hidden treasure that only few will ever come to know.

Gwen welcomed everyone with open arms and kindness, and her smile with her dimples was contagious. She loved to host gatherings and bring people together in love, laughter, fun and games. She taught us how to let go of all the things in this life that don't matter and to enjoy life with the ones you love, she left us a gift. She loved dancing, movies and TV, but most of ll reading; especially the Bible which she was very knowledgeable of and received several certificates and awards for her studies.

Gwen loved the Lord and, in her faith and devotion to God, she became a member of the Gospel Mission Baptist Church on April 15, 2007, under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Raymond A. Dennis. It was here she found her spiritual home and where she was commited to serve faithfully. Gwen had the ability to always have the aura of love and touched all that  came into her presence with it.

On December 4, 2019, Gwendolyn Bernadette Barnes Passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and loving family. She was preceded in  death by her parents; father Ernest Anthony A. McCollough, Sr: mother Doris Jean McCollough; brother Mark A. McCollough; and Mommy Barnes (Susie). To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband Greg Barnes; son Gerrod; brother Fred; sister Orlita and Kelly; and her siblings Ernest Jr., Kenneth, William, Michael, Yolanda and Luana; and a host of nieces, nephews, the McCollough- Barnes family and friends who all love her will truly miss her.

DEDICATION TO MY BEAUTIFUL LOVING WIFE

On an evening in the spring on March 31, 1990, My Beautiful Angel Gwen came into my life at a mutual friend's house gathering. She actually came in and sat right next to me, which at the time I did not realize the BLESSING GOD HAD PRESENTED TO ME. We had conversation and danced together that night until she decided to go home. As a gentleman I walked Gwen to her car, and we continued to converse. Before she got ready to leave, I asked her for her number, which she told me if I was interested that I could find her in the phone book and stated her last name was McCollough. I called, we talked for hours and the magical love unity begin. ALTHOUGH GOD SENDS US BLESSINGS, ITS UP TO US TO PUT FORTH EFFORT TO RECEIVE THEM. We would date for 2 years; traveling, concerts, sporting events, dancing and movies. On August 30, 1992 we would unite the McCollough-Barnes Family and we continued our dating and also hosting family and friend's event at our home. The hang out house for nieces, nephews, family and friends was ours.

During the Spring of 2008 Gwen became SAVED AGAIN and joined Gospel Mission Baptist Church lead by Reverend Raymond A. Dennis. She would become very active within the Church, volunteering for several activities. Although it took me a little longer to be SAVED AGAIN, I joined the Church a little later even though I was attending. My Beautiful Angel Gwen consistently PRAISED THE LORD which consumed our lives and changed them forever. Marriage is going to have some struggling times and your faith and prayer is the answer. My Beautiful Angel Gwen taught me to LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY.

My Beautiful Angel Gwen was tall and had dimples so when she entered a room her presence was immediately known. Her personality and heart were pure which complimented the beauty.

During our last days together, she insisted I continue to LOVE GOD and LOVE OTHERS. I expressed to my Love Gwen how she influenced my life and make me a better person, man and husband which I deeply appreciate.

It's been hard for me to accept that My Beautiful Angel Gwen has received her wings and has arrived at the Pearly Gates. The McCollough-Barnes Family, Church Family, TSA Family, Rachal Family and several friends have supported me which meant so much to me although I may not have expressed it fully at the time. I feel the love and the vibes which will never be forgotten.

I know my Beautiful Loving Angel Gwen with God is watching over me!