Mrs. Gwen A. Coley, 87, of Statesville, N.C., departed this earth on June 25, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House and immediately stepped into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in Wilkes County, N.C., on May 6, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Tally E. Anderson and Elizabeth E. Farmer Anderson.

Gwen was retired as office manager for Dr. Benjamin Dunlap, where she worked for 47 years.

She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church, where she served for 47 years as Sunday School teacher of the Ladies Outreachers Class, which she lovingly referred to as “her girls.” She was dearly loved and respected by all “her girls” who sat under her teaching. She also sang in the choir for many years. Gwen’s joy in life was to serve the Lord in any way possible and to always give glory and honor to her Lord. She was always ready to share Jesus and lead people to salvation in the Lord.

The love of Christ radiated from Gwen, and many lives were touched by her faithful service and love. Her therapy was baking, and many in her church family were the recipients of her delicious “baked with love” raisin bread and/or muffins.

Gwen had a strong faith and a radiant joy that could only be described as coming from the Holy Spirit living within her. While she was known as a confidant and spiritual leader because of her Godly wisdom, her most special gift was as a prayer warrior. She was a living testimony of one who prayed without ceasing, calling the names of those she was praying for, and writing those names in her Bible beside the appropriate Scripture. Her ability to quote Scripture was truly amazing and was further evidence of the Holy Spirit in her life.

On October 25, 1955, she was married to Robert M. (Bob) Coley, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a son, Dana J. Coley; sisters Joanne A McClure and Peggy Bost; a niece, Fonda A. Lindley; and a nephew, Jeffry M. Morrow.

Survivors include her son, Darrin A. Coley; her sister, Jaye F. Lippard (Allen); nieces, Emily L Kennedy (Todd) and Bobbie J. Murray (Greg). Also surviving are a nephew, Noel Lippard, and great-nephews, Austin, Nick, and Nate Kennedy, Jody Chavis, and John Lindley; and a great-niece Kateland Lindley.

Gwen is further survived by her adopted special Haitian family, Dr. Thierry and Joane Mallet, and their children Yann, Nayandra, and Ryino who called Gwen their grandmother, or “Grandma Gwen.” Gwen is also survived by her special friend in Japan, Takako Goto, and her family, and special neighbors Kevin and Blaire Sullivan.

Last but not least are her sisters-in-Christ, her Outreachers, who will miss her love, her teaching, her intercessory prayers, and her encouraging words.

Services celebrating Gwen’s life will be conducted Friday, June 27, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church, Statesville, with Dr. Scott Eanes, Rev. Paul Hill, and Rev. Gordon McComb. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church. Burial will follow at a later date in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given to “Equipping with Truth Ministries,” c/o Rusty McClelland at 119 West Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677; Fairview Baptist Church; or Dylan Jones Academy in care of Fairview Baptist Church at 349 Turnersburg Highway, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.