of Searcy, AR
March 10, 1948 - April 8, 2024
Gwendelin Scudder Anderson, 76, of Searcy, AR went to be with her Lord and Savior, her husband of over 50 years and her own beloved mother on April 8, 2024. She was born in Newport, AR on March 10, 1948 to William and Maxie Scudder.
Gwen is survived by her daughter, Rachael Anderson Jones; granddaughter, Mercedes Victoria Maxine Anderson; granddaughter, Bailey Alexandria Gwendelin Jones; grandson, Carter Riley Jones; her brother, Frank Scudder (Vicki); her brother, Sidney Scudder (Margaret); her sister, Regina Hudson; her brother, Barney Scudder (Sharon); her sister, Ellen Scudder; her cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunt, cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby; her parents and her brother, Jim Scudder.
Gwen was known for her strength, generosity, sweet spirit, dedication to family and most of all, her devotion to her Lord. She was an extremely hard worker who overcame many struggles in life by her unshakeable faith and optimism.
As a young girl, Gwen helped raise her younger siblings while her own mother was out working trying to feed a large family in poverty-stricken, rural Arkansas during the post-WWII era. Her family was so poor that Gwen had to clean the school cafeteria in exchange for trade-out of her lunches. She went without common necessities many times to help her mother ensure that her younger siblings had all they needed for school. Yet she had no complaints because that was just in her heart to do. Her hard work continued throughout life and she went from picking strawberries in Arkansas fields to becoming the Vice-President of First Security Bank and the head of their mortgage company. She retired after over 35 years of loyal service.
As a child, her life, her mother's life and her brother's life were all changed when Jerry and Fern Hill began preaching at a local small church and went door to door inviting all the town residents to join them at church. Gwen, her mother and her brother all became Christians and remained so the rest of their lives, Gwen worshipping at College Church of Christ in Searcy. One of Fern's favorite stories to tell was how she'd come over to Gwen's house and find her, as a small 9-year-old child, holding Sunday School classes in the back yard for her younger brothers and sisters, teaching them about Jesus and Jonah and the whale….at 9 years old. Jerry and Fern later created the Timothy Hill Ranch for disadvantaged youth in honor of the deceased son. Gwen remained faithful to this project and donated not only financially, but with her time and her love to the Ranch up until her death.
As a young adult, Gwen attended Harding College. She also worked for the FBI in Washington DC as a fingerprint specialist where she met her future husband, Bobby, while he was working at Walter Reed Hospital.
Gwen had a beautiful high soprano voice and taught herself to play the autoharp. She passed down her love of music and singing to her child and grandchildren and loved nothing more than hearing them harmonize with her.
Her grandchildren were her whole world. She loved being Nana more than any other title or role she held. But her love of children didn't just stop at her family. She and Bob fostered 17 children in their 50-year marriage. She extended her enormous love to her many nieces, nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces. Everyone loved Aunt Gwen as the matriarch of the family once her own mother passed. She loved entertaining her large family on holidays and felt there was always room for more, which she lived out in action by often inviting those who did not have families of their own.
If you knew Gwen, you knew how she loved her gardens; all kinds plants, herbs, vegetables and especially her flowers. She could talk for hours about the different gardening ''blessings'' the Lord gave us to enjoy on earth. She didn't see it as a hobby; she strongly believed it was her way to commune with the Lord. She would spend hours and hours just walking around her garden praying to her Jesus and meditating on his blessings.
Gwen was a pillar of strength. She had the emotional and mental fortitude of a hero and was admired by all her family and friends as being a rock they could always count on. She made it a mission to be generous and kind to all whose paths she crossed. She would buy several copies of her favorite Christian book (outside the Bible) so she could give them out to anyone she thought could use some encouragement.
Her beautiful smile lit up the room and she shared it often. Her sweetness was unmatched. She will be missed tremendously by all who knew and loved her. But those who knew her are confident she's at home with her God in His heavens now, and that He joyously greeted her with ''Well done, my good and faithful servant ''.
Sign Guestbook
18 Condolence(s)
Omusi Annie Scudder
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Oh dear Aunt Gwen.
She was sweet, warm, Kind. She warmly Welcomed me to the family and made me feel seen and so loved. I never got a chance to meet her in person but It felt like I had known her all my life.
Fare thee well Aunt Gwen. Thank you for making me feel the love and for welcoming me to the Scudder family. You will be dearly missed.
Vivian Lindsey
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Gwen was a very special lady. I love and miss her terribly, but I do know one day I will see her in Glory. Prayers for her wonderful family.
Jackson Mutahi
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Though I never met Gwen in person, we always connected very well via Facebook and having been raised by dad the late Jim Scudder always made it special. We thank God for the fact that He gave Gwen to the world and through her, many have come to know him. Condolences to the family and friends.
Neal Evans
Friday, April 12, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to all who loved this much adored and respected woman.
To Rachael I send my love and a massive hug, I’m sure your family are helping you through this dark time. X
Cathie Bullock
Friday, April 12, 2024
My sincere condolences to Gwen's family. I knew Gwen and Jimmy when they lived in New York. Gwen was very sweet. I remember when Gwen and Bob got married, although I was stuck at Camp Shiloh at the time. Heard the story about her veil catching on fire. God bless you all, as He has blessed you with Gwen.
JENNIFER BOERE
Friday, April 12, 2024
Sweet lady you will be missed. Thank you for leaving an amazing Legacy.
Sissy Walker
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Gwen was a dear and sweet friend of mine. We worked together for 20 years. I always enjoyed listening to her stories and talking about her gardens and flowers. She will be greatly missed because she was loved by all who knew her. Prayers for your family.
Roger Thomas
Thursday, April 11, 2024
To the friends and family. I will miss my dear friend being there. Since the second grade in our little school in Russell, she has been my friend. There are only a very few of us left. And I think of them almost every day even though I rarely talk with them. That’s the way it was with Gwen. I will miss my dear friend Gwenny very much.
Brian Bennett
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
To my old friend, Rachel. I cannot tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I pray for you a couple of benedictions from two of my favorite verses in God’s Word. “ Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 and “ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”. Isaiah 41:10.
Pamela Radaford Mullins
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Gwen was always a wonderful friend whom I shall never forget
Vicki Bates
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
All my prayers for you Rachel as well as your children and the rest of the family.
Diane Mayfield
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Gwen was my first friend from 1st grade on, growing up in Russell. I have many childhood memories
Including remembeing her singing by herself our 6th grade graduation. I was so impressed! My condolences to Gwen's family. I will never forget her.
Marie Richards
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Prayers for all the family. Gwen was a great friend and truly lived a life for our Lord Jesus. We will miss her. We know she is in a better place.
Paulette Barber
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Prayers for all the family. I know you have so many wonderful memories.
Gwen was the best friend to so many and always portrayed that amazing Christian character that we all want to have.
She will truly be missed by all her 1966
Classmates. May God comfort you as you grieve and also celebrate a life well lived!!
Suzanne
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
She will truly be missed. ,,,
Michela (Folk) Fowler
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Gwen, there are no words to express my appreciation to you over the years. Our families have known each other for years. I am going to miss you; but am thankful you are not suffering any longer.
Dear Racheal, my heart aches for you & your children. The pain of losing a parent is something you never get over. One minute you are fine & the next you are crying your eyes out. The comfort is knowing where they are & now both of your parents are together. Lots of hugs & prayers for you all!
Sharon Scudder
Monday, April 8, 2024
Oh, Gwen and family...What sadness and happiness at the same time. Sad for us and our loss of a wonderful woman and family member but happiness that she is with her new family beside our Lord. Gwen will be missed by all who knew her. She was special in that she was kind, giving, loving, and most of all, a daughter in Christ. I love her from deep in my soul and I am a better person for knowing her. Rachael, you are a lucky woman to have two such wonderful parents in your life. Remember this in the dark times, your parents loved you so much that they would have and did do anything necessary for your happiness. They continue to shine their love on you..you have not one but two special angels on your shoulders...love and prayers for all the family..
Martha Foster
Monday, April 8, 2024
Gwen was a good friend. We were best friends in high school and later on. She was a very good woman. Condolences to her family. God bless and sorry for your loss.