GWENDOLYN SHEPPARD

Gwendolyn Joyce Betts was born July 10, 1957, to Willie Hugh Betts and Elver Jean Betts in Los Angeles, California. Gwen was the second of the couple’s three girls, also including Mildred Ann Betts and Sheila K. Betts. In 1962, the Betts family moved to Fort Worth, where Gwen enrolled at East Van Zandt Elementary School. She later attended Dunbar Middle School and graduated in 1975 from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. Gwen was talented, good-humored and rarely met a stranger. She took delight in being a part of a local singing group that included her sister, Mildred, along with friends, Barbara Jackson and Barbara Davis. “The Fabuletts” performed at local talent shows and other venues. Gwen enjoyed skating and was well-known at Fort Worth’s Jolly Time Roller Rink. Gwen loved challenges and did not worry about making others uncomfortable. She called out injustices and took on bullies with passion. Her humor was infectious. She kept family and friends in stitches with her humorous takes on everyday events. Her laugh, smile and classic big, brown eyes will be missed. In 1973, Gwen married Kenneth Dennis and had two children, Kenneth Dennis and Karie Nicole Dennis. They lived in California during Kenneth’s military career and returned to Texas in 1979. Gwen also has a step-daughter, Kenisha King.Gwen later married Norman Quigley, and to this union, their daughter, Brittney Joy, was born. Gwen’s work history includes stints at Motorola, a bakery factory in Abilene, and the U.S. Postal Service. In 2006, she became a contract worker for Wellington Senior Living. Her supervisor, Connie Coleman, said Gwen quickly became her “right hand” and helped train new employees and made residents feel at ease. Gwen’s work ethic, Coleman said, was unmatched. “I was always told by the staff and the residents that Gwen never left a stone unturned. Although she was 10 years older than me, Gwen was able to work circles around me physically, and she moved very quickly,” Coleman said. “Gwen really had a heart for the job and a heart for my business and its success.” Gwen loved life and was fearless in her acceptance of God’s will. Her legacy is the extended and loving family members who mourn her passing. Gwen was preceded in death by her mother, Elver Jean Betts, husband, Anthony Sheppard, nephew, Brad Betts, granddaughter, Keianna Nicole Dennis, and maternal and paternal grandparents. Also preceding her in death is special friend, Gwendolyn Quigley. Those left to cherish her memories are: her children, Kenneth “Keith” Dennis (Mary), Karie Jones (Kevin), Kenisha King (Edward), and Brittney Joy Quigley, all of Fort Worth; father, Willie Hugh Betts of Hillsboro; sisters, Mildred Ann Nelloms (Billy) and Sheila K. Betts, both of Fort Worth, and LaSonya Betts of Dallas; seven grandchildren, Kerric Hill, Kalista Jones, Kevin Jones, Ke’Andre Jones, Warren King, Morgan King, and Jermie Deckard Jr.; nephews, Jamien Nickerson, Robert Nickerson, Brian Coleman, LaDarion Fritz and Alexus Johnson; nieces, Jodi Nash and Jennifer Nelloms; special friends, Ken Parish, Mary Dennis, Cynthia Bragg, Avis Davis and Connie Coleman along with countless other relatives and friends.