Gwendolyn Johnson, who also went by ‘Jean’ and ‘Big Mama’, was born from Cora Dunn Freeman and Willie Freeman on December 29, 1937. She was born in Roanoke, AL and raised as the oldest of 22 siblings in Opelika, AL. She passed on Tuesday, February 06, 2024 at home surrounded by grand children and great grandchildren.

Gwen was always the life of every gathering. With her one of a kind attitude and iconic laugh, she was always the center of every crowd. She loved to sing! Her voice could be heard echoing off the walls of a nearby church or in her kitchen making homemade ice cream. She traveled around the country with the Robinson Sisters of Cleveland, Ohio sharing her voice with any and all who would listen; until she was struck with illness that lessened her ability to sing. Gwen loved to sew, making trendy clothes every time she sat in front of the sewing machine. All while making some of her famous food plates and interacting with the whole neighborhood.

Gwendolyn leaves behind her siblings Mildred Hood, Diane Gilbert, Brenda Gilbert, Michael Gilbert, Christine Whitehead, Carolyn Freeman, Eddie Freeman, Dorothy Freeman, and James Gilbert. Her 3 children Lucitta Wilson, Andre Johnson and James Johnson. 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. She will be forever loved.

Visitation:  Saturday 2/17/2024 2pm – 6pm

Service 3pm

Location: Landmark Family Church

                 2523 Clay Mathis Rd

                 Mesquite, TX 7518