Gwendolyn Ida Only, affectionally known as Gwen, was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late John and Ruth McMurtry on October 27, 1924. In 1937, her family moved to Williamstown, NJ.  She attended and graduated from Glassboro High School in 1942.

Gwen was the oldest of six siblings who predeceased her, Elaine Bell, John W. McMurtry (Jackie), Harold A. McMurtry, Sr., Eddie McMurtry, and Ruth Pritchett (Snooks).

She was married to the late Lewis W. Only for 58 years. Out of that union were born 4 children: Cheryl Kyle (Lacy), Lewis, Robert and Ronald (Shawn) and she raised Nicola Sterling (Richard), a special dearly loved family member. In addition, she has 6 grandchildren, Annmarie Kyle, Sharilyn Kyle, Autumn Walakira, Jordan Thomas, Kendi Only, and Sigele Only. She has 4 great grandchildren, Hunter Smith, Ava Walakira, Olivia Walakira and Miles Thomas.

Gwendolyn was known for her great wit and great wisdom that she had bestowed on everyone she knew. She was the most hardworking woman we knew, and she had amazing organizational skills. She was well known for her macaroni and cheese, sweet potato pie, and her homemade cinnamon buns. She and our dad would travel to the end of the earth to visit with their children and grandchildren. She had so much love in her heart. She loved to set a formal table with her China dishes for entertaining. Her favorite color was blue. She was an avid reader, and she loved piano, crossword puzzles, the Waltons, cowboy movies, and Masterpiece Theatre. Above all, she is known for her faith in the Lord that continued until her death.

Gwen was involved in many organizations throughout her lifetime and career including: Girl Scout Leader, Trainer of Girl Scout Leaders, PTA President, PTA County Vice President, Charter Member of Concerned Parents Organization, Vice President of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, Vice President of Tri-County Association, and member of the Advisory Board of the Gloucester County AVA Commission, NJEA Editorial Committee, The Williamstown Civic Association, the Gloucester County Juvenile Conference Committee, and she was a Sunday School Teacher for Twenty-eight years.

Gwen worked with the Monroe Township Schools. In 1966, she was employed as a clerk on the bookmobile while pursuing and obtaining a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a certification in library science at Glassboro State College, now Rowan University. She taught 4th grade and eventually transitioned into the role of librarian until her retirement. During her tenure with the Monroe Township School District, she saw the need to share the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans to this country, and she was inspired to put together a book called, "Black History: The struggle to Achieve Equality" for the district highlighting those achievements. In 1990, Gwen was included in Who's Who in American Education, and in 1991 she was honored as an Outstanding Educator by the New Jersey Federation of Colored Women's Club and the Gloucester County Commissioners.

Gwendolyn leaves to cherish a host of relatives and friends.

The Family would like to thank Angie Johnson her first special assistant, her Samaritan nurses Stephanie DiMaio, Samantha Emdur and staff. Homewatch Caregivers certified home nursing assistant Patricia Merseles and staff.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Saturday, March 14th from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Farnelli Funeral Home, 504 N. Main St., Williamstown, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow in Brotherhood Cemetery, Williamstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Food Bank of South Jersey Fund Development
1501 John Tipton Blvd., Pennsauken, NJ 08110 or by visiting www.FoodBankSJ.org

To sign the guestbook online, please visit www.farnellifuneralhome.com