Gwendolyn was born in Wabbaseka, Arkansas to George and Verlene Nathaniel on February 16, 1947. She had a sister named Ruby Jewel who passed at the age of 3 months. Years later she and her parents moved to their new home in Lewisville, Arkansas. At the early age of 10 after attending vacation bible school she decided to give her life to Christ and was baptized at St. Paul Baptist Church.

During her early educational years she attended Lewisville Colored School in Lewisville, Arkansas. While attending Foster High in Lewisville, she was voted Homecoming Queen and was also a head cheerleader. After graduating high school in 1964 she went on to continue her education at Texas College in Tyler, Texas.

In 1965 she married her high school sweetheart, Benny Ray Hale, who preceded her in death. From this union they had four children: one son and three daughters. They resided in their home together in Lewisville until their separation in the early 70's. Following the separation Gwen and her four children moved to California for a short time, before returning back home to Lewisville.

Throughout the last years of her life, she resided in Texas with her three daughters where she cherished life. She enjoyed playing dominoes, spades, solitaire, listening to music, dancing, and spending time with her grandchildren. Most of all she loved cooking and it just warmed her heart knowing that people savored her food.

Gwendolyn is survived by her four children and three honorary children...Phillip Hale (Yolonda), Augusta, GA, Phyllis Barriere (Honorary son-Obie Washington), Ft. Worth, TX, Felicia Hale, Arlington, TX, Charlene Alford (Jimmy Alford), Ft. Worth, TX, Gerald McCutchen (Honorary-Son), Antioch, CA, Tina Roach (Honorary-Daughter) Sherwood, AR, Jamar Lemon (Honorary-Son), Springhill, LA. Two sisters/ cousins...Patricia Clemons Washington and Harriet LaVerne Clemons. Ten grandchildren...Sharlesa Hale, Rishaurd Barriere, Kayl McCutchen, Jasmine Hale, Jaylon Barriere, Kaela Adams, Devin Hale, Caleb Hale, Joshua Hale, Pharren Adams (Honorary- Granddaughter). Six great grandchildren...Ja'Meah Barriere, Journey Barriere, Jaxon Koenig, Violet Parker, Aubrey Parker, and Aliza Parker.