On July 28, 1945, Gwendolyn "Gwen" Ann Eaton was born to Henry and Esteree Eaton. She was raised in Ensley, Al where she attended Council Elementary School and graduated Western Olin High School in 1963.  During her formative years she was known to be loving and caring especially towards her younger siblings. She could always be found home happily tending to the needs of everyone around her.  Her understanding of these valuable traits is the foundation on which her legacy of nurture and family was built.

Gwendolyn was a longstanding member of Corinth Baptist Church where she served on the usher board.  She faithfully attended services as often as the doors opened and travelled every time her Pastor visited other churches.  She was the epitome of devotion and commitment to anyone she considered family.  She attended events, watched babies, and ensured her warm presence was always felt.

Although her parents and six of her siblings (Roosevelt West, Harold Norris, Carolyn Eaton, James Eaton, Jerome Eaton, and Elwin Eaton) preceded her to their heavenly rest, Gwen did her part in keeping their memories alive. She spoke lovingly of them all sharing stories with her grandchildren and being especially reflective around birthdays and special anniversaries. She never forgot a birthday and she always made sure to send cards and make calls

December 31, 1965, she married John Wesley Nelems introducing a new branch to the family tree.  Together they had five children: Daniella Ellis (Richard Ellis), Anita Nelems, Annissa Nelems, John Nelems and Cedrick Nelems.  They, along with her five siblings (Columbus Norris, Joan Jones, Amy Parker, Fredrick Eaton and Wanda Eaton), twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends will be left to celebrate and remember her.

She lived life as a devoted mother to everyone who allowed her to bless their life.  She was all about family and worked overtime ensuring family members near and far were acknowledged and accounted for no matter the occasion.  She was a social butterfly who met no strangers and made lasting impressions all over Birmingham.  Gwen was loved and adored by many.  She will be missed but the foundation she laid has been received and her name and face- even though she hated pictures- will live on for the many gardens of trees to come.