Family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. until time of Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at First Church of God, 3480 Refugee Rd Columbus, OH 43232.

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, Gweldyn “Gwen” Edwards was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Constance “Connie” and Arthur Dennis, Sr.; her brothers, Arthur Dennis, Jr. and Douglas Dennis, Sr.; her niece, Bonetta Dennis; and her beloved son, Larry Vance “Quentin” Edwards.

Gwen was born on October 6, 1953, the middle child and only daughter born to Constance “Connie” and Arthur Dennis, Sr. In Springfield, OH. After graduating from Springfield South High School, Gwen followed her heart into healthcare, attending nursing school and earning her license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

In 1976, she married the love of her life, Larry Edwards. Together, Gwen and Larry shared 50 beautiful years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, love, and devotion while raising their three children: Quentin , L’Erin, and GaNene.

Following their marriage, Gwen and Larry's journey took them southward, where they spent memorable years living in Georgia and North Carolina, embracing the warmth, hospitality, and vibrant culture of the South.

A lifelong learner with an immense drive to grow and serve, Gwen built a distinguished educational and professional foundation. She earned her bachelor's degree from Shaw University and later her master's degree from Franklin University. Her commitment to excellence was further demonstrated by earning her Project Management Professional (PMP) credential and her True Colors certification, tools she used throughout her life to inspire, lead, and better understand those around her.

Eventually, the pull of home brought the Edwards family back to Ohio, where Gwen pivoted her career into administrative public service. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career assisting individuals in need, culminating in her well-earned retirement from the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.

Retirement, however, never meant slowing down. Gwen was a gifted builder, fixer, and lifelong do-it-yourselfer who rarely saw a project she couldn't figure out. Whether she was tackling a home improvement project, repairing something others thought couldn't be fixed, or creating something with her own hands, she found genuine joy in building and making things better. She often joked that her dream retirement job would be working at Home Depot or Ace Hardware, where she could spend her days helping others solve problems, sharing ideas, and surrounded by the tools and projects she loved.

Gwen combined her passion for the arts with her exceptional leadership skills by co-founding State of the Arts Productions alongside her son, Quentin. Together, they envisioned a theater company that would inspire the local community theater scene while creating a welcoming, inclusive space where performers of every background, experience level, and identity had an opportunity to shine. Following Quentin's passing, Gwen courageously ensured that the curtains never closed. She continued producing outstanding productions, bringing 16 shows to the stage, preserving Quentin's vision while leaving an extraordinary legacy of her own. Her commitment to the arts extended beyond SoArtsPro through her dedicated service as an usher for CAPA productions, volunteering with The Columbus Black Theatre Festival and as a past member of the Columbus Theatre Roundtable.

Of all the roles Gwen held, her favorite was being a grandmother. She found immeasurable joy in spending time with her grandchildren, Lynnix and LaMar II, encouraging them to dream big, pursue their passions, and never doubt their potential. Above all, she made sure they always knew they were deeply loved.

Gwen was the personification of faith in action. She poured out to many, including her work at Advent United Church of Christ where she served in several roles. She gave far more than she ever expected to receive, serving not for recognition or applause, but because generosity, compassion, and service reflected her character and the faith that guided her life.

Though her earthly work is complete, the projects she completed, the stages she helped build, the lives she served, and the family she loved so fiercely stand as lasting reminders of a life beautifully lived. Her kindness, resilience, creativity, generosity, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Gwen is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Edwards; her daughters, L’Erin Price (LaMar) and GaNene Edwards; her grandchildren, Lynnix Price and LaMar D. Price II; and a host of cherished cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, dear sister friends, theater family, and all whose lives were forever touched by her love, wisdom, and spirit.