Coping with Grief
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Honoring A Life Well Lived
Gwendolyn Anita Young was born on November 23, 1977, to Mary Kate Young and Carlos Lee Young, Sr. Her journey through life ended on February 1, 2026. Gwen’s early acceptance of Christ shaped her life profoundly. One of her cherished Bible verses was, “Faith, it does not make things easy, it makes them possible” (Luke 1:37). Gwen drew her strength from her faith and knew that her help came from God.
Gwen was a diligent worker, employed by Amazon. Her dedication was evident as she sometimes took on two jobs to meet her responsibilities. Even in the absence of a reliable ride, Gwen’s determination saw her walking or using Uber to get to work on time. Her perseverance and work ethic were admired by all who knew her.
Affectionately known as “T.T.,” “GG,” “Tootie,” or “Fruity,” Gwen was a kind-hearted and caring individual with a vibrant personality. Known for her strong heart and determination, she often expressed herself with phrases like “THAT PART” or “OH MY!” Gwen was unique and special in her own right. She had a passion for cooking and took great pride in her culinary skills, believing she was the best and could out-cook the best.
Gwen cherished her friendships, yet she was straightforward and unafraid to express her feelings, even if it meant asking her friends to leave in a not-so-kind manner. Her dog, Miracle Sagittarius, brought her joy, except when Miracle did too much in the house and would say you going to the basement.
Gwen’s family was the center of her universe. Her love for them was unwavering. She was known for her generous spirit, often offering food and shelter, but she was equally known for her candidness, sometimes expressing her feelings with colorful language and then putting you out, especially her nieces and nephews, Niya and Carrington; her nephew Jamir Hogue, whom she lovingly referred to as her son. She was a godmother to many, including Jakiyah Carter, Re-Mya Phillips, and Desire Garcia. She always left a lasting impression on those she came in contact with.
Gwen leaves to cherish her memories her mother, Mary Kate Young, of Fort Wayne, IN; brothers, James Hogue of Austin, TX, Jamil (Shanita) Young of Fort Wayne, IN., Carl Bowskill of Bedford, England and Shawn Johnson of Fort Wayne, IN; sisters, Cathy (Earl) Folks and Jamilah Young, both of Fort Wayne, IN; her special sisters, Konswayla and Kachina Farr, and special brothers, Calvin “Skooter” Farr, Jr. all of Dallas, TX, and Zon Lee of Fort Wayne, IN.; her extended family—The Jackson and The Manning Family; forty-nine(49) nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles and extended family and friends.
Gwen was preceded in death by her father, Carlos Lee Young, Sr.; brothers, Carlos Lee Young, Jr., and Shawn Johnson; grandparents, Fannie Benson Jackson Hogue Burnett, James Hogue and Irish Wade; nephews, Zavion Benson and Demarcus Gunn; and her aunt, Ernestine Sykes.
Gwen left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.
A Better Place
Life must continue with Gwen’s memories in the hearts of all who loved her.
Happy because her pain has now stopped; Sad because the passing was not kind.
Emptiness fills the souls because a great loved one has moved on;
What she has done in this life, can never be changed or erased.
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