Gwendolyn W. Gaines was born August 27, 1945 to the late William F. Smith, II and Luresa Smith in Akron, Ohio.

She was educated in the Akron Public School system, graduating from Garfield High School and the Washington Beauty Academy.  She was employed and retired from the Walton Hill Ford Stamping Plant.  President of the Ford Breakfast Retiree Club, Cleveland branch and the former secretary of the Ford Breakfast Retiree Club, Akron branch.  She was also a member of the Akron Urban League and The West Akron Ed Davis Center.  In addition, she was a member of the Brothers of the Hammer (Akron), Lebron James Grandmothers Club, and the former treasurer of the Sisters and Brothers Social Club and Eastern Star.  Gwendolyn was also a member of Zion Apostolic Faith Church.

Gwendolyn's greatest hobbies were traveling and shopping with her daughter, Darlene.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Estella Denson, Josephine Love, Willa Williams, and Eleanor Ford; and brother, William F. Smith, II.

On Friday, October 1, 2021, Gwendolyn fell asleep in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Roscoe (Tracie) Gaines, Darlene Gaines, and Rodney (Roslyn) Gaines; sister, Barbara (Joe) McCary of Akron, OH; six grandchildren, Toccara (Howard) Vaughn, Da'Shea Ray, Rashae' Gaines, DeJournea Ray, Rodney Gaines, Jr. and Stefan Gaines; four great-grandchildren, Howard (Ronnie), JaVion, Dallyce, and Joshua; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; and special friend, Sylvia Dampier.