Gwendolyn Ellaine Elligan was born Aug. 30, 1931, in Sparta, to William and Flossie Shockley.
“Gwen” attended Wallace-Smith School, in Sparta, followed by Darwin High, in Cookeville. Upon graduation, she moved to the “big city” of Detroit where she worked as a cashier at the Gotham Hotel. During this period, she pursued higher education, earning a Secretarial Science Degree from Groom’s Business School.
In 1975, Gwen moved back to her hometown, in Sparta, to care for her aging mother. She was first employed as a teacher’s aide in the White County school system. Soon after, she became a clerk typist for Mallory Timers where she remained until her retirement. It was then that Gwen could shift her entire focus to her only grandson, Timothy. Nothing made her happier than the time she and Timothy would spend together after school and over the summer breaks. His biggest cheerleader, nothing brought more joy to her than supporting him in every event and activity. However, as life’s seasons change, so did both of their roles, as the grandson she cared for would become her caregiver.
Gwen could often be heard saying she “was blessed,” but her works as a devoted servant of her church and community proved that she was indeed the blessing to so many. She was a faithful member of Kynett United Methodist Church. Additionally, her membership extended to the United Methodist Women’s Organization and White County Laity. A consummate volunteer, Gwen wore many hats which earned her notoriety throughout the region. She volunteered with the election commission and the Red Cross blood drive of White County. Gwen also devoted many years as a board member for the White County Fair Board, Health Council, and Senior Citizens Center.
On July 31, 2024, a joyful life ended with our beloved Gwen, but her legacy will live on through the lives impacted by her beautiful spirit. Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her parents; former husband, Leon Lenton Elligan Sr.; brother, William E. Shockley Jr.; beloved sister, Sara I. Toran; and special cousin, Leon Bills.
She is survived by her son, Leon (Denise); grandson, Timothy; special nieces, Yolanda Williams (Darrell), Denise Toran Shillingford (Steven); Michaella Fields (Lester), Harriett Glenn; special cousin, Foster Shockley Jr. (Leatha); and numerous other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was 2 p.m., Aug. 4, 2024, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Davis Cemetery. The Rev. Diantha McLeod officiated.
Serving the family as pallbearers were Jason Strode, Ronald Strode, Tony Officer, Randall Gwynn, Tim Dibrell, and Dennis Henderson.
Flower bearers were family and friends.
A special thank you to Pamela Lewis, Karen LaFever, Annette King, Cynthia Gist, Rhonda Strode, David Gaw, Sue Carr, and her “adopted” daughter, Terri Walker. They were all her friends who supported and helped her in many ways and whom she loved dearly.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
