Ms. Gwendolyn D. Corbett

Gwendolyn Denise Corbett was born on October 15, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Juanita Williams and Willie Floyd Williams Sr. At the young age of 11, she was baptized and accepted the Lord as her Savior, a decision that shaped the rest of her life. Her faith was bold, undeniable, and deeply personal.

To know Gwendolyn was to know her love for Jesus. She spoke of the Lord in every conversation, and her favorite saying, “Mayda Doe, Lord knows,” became her signature expression. There was no question about where she stood spiritually, everyone knew she was a woman of God.

She received her education in the Chicago Public School system, attending Paderewski Elementary School, Manley Middle School, Harrison High School, and Malcolm X Community College. Outgoing and friendly, Gwendolyn made connections everywhere she went. She continued that same warm and welcoming spirit when she relocated to the Champaign, Illinois area in 1985, where she resided for many years.

Sister Gwen was a faithful servant of God and a devoted member of her church. She rarely missed a service, and Wednesdays were her favorite day, spent fellowshipping with friends over breakfast and lunch, followed by a trip to Walmart for shopping, then concluding in the evening at bible class. She loved to travel and was always ready on time, purse in hand, ready to ride out. A true early bird, Sister Gwen was often up before dawn, sometimes calling or texting loved ones as early as 3 a.m., long before the rest of the world was awake.

She had a passion for good food and stylish fashion. She loved to wear beautiful jewelry and always made sure she smelled as good as she looked. Her hair, makeup, and nails were always on point. She adored lovely hats, dresses, and designer purses. She carried herself with grace and dignity, always offering encouragement to those around her and pointing them toward Christ.

She was affectionately called Star and Gleem by her sisters, terms of endearment that expressed her light, her life, and her legacy.

In the early morning hours of Friday, August 22, 2025, God whispered, “Beloved,” and called Sister Gwen home to eternal rest.

While she had no children of her own, she had several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Sister Gwen had a special great nephew Favion Montgomery with whom she referred to as “My Son” because she raised him, cared for him, and was always loving and forgiving. All the children will surely miss Sister Gwen affectionately saying, “Behave.”

She leaves behind five loving siblings: Julia (James) Howardof Rantoul, IL, Willie Floyd Williams Jr. of Champaign, IL, Evangelist Mechelle (Gerald) Anderson of Oak Park, IL, Dr. Valencia Williams of Oak Park, IL, and Scottie Williams of Chicago, IL.

She was preceded in death by four siblings: Michael Williams, Latrice Williams, Cynthia Williams, and Lashelle Williams.

She will be deeply cherished by her nieces and nephew: Taneshia Williams, Faith Williams, Valencia (Billy) Holcomb, Juanita (Adrian) Sambor, Camille Anderson, and Mekhi Prince. Her other family members and community of friends will truly miss her big smile with the gap, her love, and her unforgettable spirit.

Two people held a particularly special place in Sister Gwen’s heart: Ruth Little, better known as Neen, who stood by her side through thick and thin with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Patrick McDaniel, who was a special person in Sister Gwen’s life. He was a devoted mall and church friend whose warmth, kindness, and genuine spirit brought her deep joy and lasting comfort.

Her light, her laughter, her prayers, and her love will be forever remembered and cherished by all who were blessed to know her.

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