Gwendolyn Ellaine Elligan was born on August 30, 1931, in Sparta, TN to the late William and Flossie Shockley. "Gwen" attended Wallace Smith school in Sparta, TN followed by Darwin High in Cookeville, TN. Upon graduation, she moved to the "Big City" of Detroit where she worked as a cashier at the Gotham Hotel. During this period, she pursued higher education, earning a Secretarial Science degree from Groom's Business School.

In 1975, Gwen moved back to her hometown in Sparta to care for her aging mother. She was first employed as a teacher's aide in the White County school system. Soon after, she became a clerk typist for Mallory Timers where she remained until her retirement. It was then that Gwen could shift her entire focus to her only grandson Timothy. Nothing made her happier than the time her and Timothy would spend together after school and over the summer breaks. His biggest cheerleader, nothing brought more joy to her than supporting him in every event and activity. However, as life's seasons change, so did both of their roles, as the grandson she cared for would become her caregiver.

Gwen could often be heard saying she "was blessed", but her works as a devoted servant of her church and community proved that she was indeed the blessing to so many. She was a faithful member of Kynett United Methodist Church. Additionally, her membership extended to the United Methodist Women's Organization and White County Laity. A consummate volunteer, Gwen wore many hats which earned her notoriety throughout the region. She volunteered with the election commission and the Red Cross blood drive of White County. Gwen also devoted many years as a board member for the White County Fair Board, Health Council and Senior Citizens Center.

On July 31, 2024, a joyful life ended with our beloved Gwen...but her legacy will live on through the lives impacted by her beautiful spirit. Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Leon Lenton Elligan, Sr.; brother William E. Shockley Jr.; beloved sister Sara I. Toran; special cousin Leon Bills.

She is survived by her son, Leon (Denise); grandson Timothy; special nieces Yolanda Williams (Darrell) and Denise Toran Shillingford (Steven); Michaella Fields (Lester) and Harriett Glenn; special cousin Foster Shockley, Jr. (Leatha) and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00pm Sunday, August 4, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Davis Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 4-7:00pm at Hunter Funeral Home. Rev. Diantha McLeod will officiate.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Jason Strode, Ronald Strode, Tony Officer, Randall Gwynn, Tim Dibrell and Dennis Henderson

Flower Bearers will be Family and Friends

A special thank you to Pamela Lewis, Karen LaFever, Annette King, Cynthia Gist, Rhonda Strode, David Gaw, Sue Carr, and her "adopted" daughter Terri Walker. They were all her friends who supported and helped her in many ways, and who she loved dearly.