In Memory Of


Gayle Jane Gwyn


Ms. Gayle Jane Gwyn, 67, peacefully entered into her eternal home on April 19, 2016. Gayle was born on May 23, 1948, in New York, New York to the late Charles Gwyn and Laura Bellamy.

Gayle graduated from Morningside High School (1966) where she enjoyed playing the trumpet in the school band and developed a passion for the French language and culture. Gayle met and developed a lifelong friendship with Ronald "Ronnie" Carl Irvis. In addition to being high school sweethearts, Gayle and Ronnie were blessed with one child Bridgette Machere Gwyn Ngo. The couple would remain close until his death in 1981.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shaw University (1971), Gayle began working as a Social Services Specialist for ICARE in Statesville, NC. She was actively involved in assisting low-income people with transportation, health care and nutritional services. Gayle joined the Housing Opportunities Commission in Montgomery County, Maryland in 1986, providing counseling and support services to low-income families in assisted housing. In 2005, Gayle took a position with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and was honored to serve as the president of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG) until her death.

As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Gayle maintained an uncompromising commitment to communities throughout her professional career as well as in her personal life. She was a devoted caregiver to her aging mother and offered her closest friends her sisterly support and encouragement. Gayle also enjoyed her role as a mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She gave her time generously, attending her grandchildren's school programs and proudly supported their academic achievements, musical development and artistic initiatives.

Gayle loved the Lord and believed the biggest gift she could give her daughter and grandchildren was her faith. She encouraged them on a daily basis to give God glory and praise and not to be discouraged when faced with adversity. She was a member of The People's Community Baptist Church and often attended Bridgeway Community Church with her daughter and grandchildren.

Gayle was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Willie Bellamy; her beloved aunt Viola Gwyn; and sister, Charlene Gwyn. She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Bridgette Gwyn Ngo (Tri) of Silver Spring, Maryland; a grandson, Kaleo Ngo and granddaughter, Malia Ngo; two nephews, Corey and Carlton Jones of Statesville, NC; and a host of extended family members and friends.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home, Statesville, NC. www.rutledgeandbigham.com.