Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

December 17, 2016

Gwendolyn Wilburn Warren (Gwen), of The Cypress in Charlotte, died Saturday, December 17, 2016, at the age of 86. She was at home, surrounded by her loving family.  

A native of Lillington, N.C., she was born December 28, 1929, the daughter of Sion Hinton and Rosa O’Quinn Wilburn. Gwen attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She married the love of her life Hannibal Godwin Warren “Bud” in 1951. Soon thereafter they moved to Charlotte, N.C., where they would raise a family. In 1999, they settled at The Cypress, which they would call home in their golden years. 

In 1983, Bud and Gwen discovered their ‘home away from home’ at Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. – a vacation house full of memories, “The Lucky Ducks” – a name which speaks for itself, where Gwen loved rocking on the porch and savoring time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years. Bud adored her and she adored him right back. She was also preceded in death by their son Bill Warren, and her sister Cleta Wilburn Rives.

She is survived by her children, Bobby Warren and his wife, Karen of Newton, N.C, Hans Warren and his wife, Elizabeth of Charlotte and Bonne Stukey and her husband, Dave of Charlotte; grandchildren, Jimmy Warren and his wife, Kristi, Heather Dickey and her husband, Jeff, Wynne and Maggie Warren, Trey Warren and his wife, Sally, Bobby Warren, Carver Draughn and her husband, Justin, Cackie Morrow, and Nick and Buck Stukey, and four great-grandchildren. Whenever asked whom she loved most, “The one(s) I am with,” she would affirm. 

Gwen was known for the world’s best peanut butter and jelly sandwich. For her family, she provided a caring home that was full of love, strength and faith. Before they ever left the house, her children heard her say (in that quintessential, mellifluous, southern voice), “Remember who you are.” Gwen knew who she was and she never faltered. She was the foundation below all that was good, and she required no accolades. It was simply what she did. Gwen’s faith was strong, yet humble, and her wit unparalleled.  

She knew that she was a child of the Lord, and served Him as a faithful member of Sedgefield United Methodist Church (formerly St. Paul United Methodist Church) for more than 50 years. She served on various committees and was a member of the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class where she shared her talent on the piano each week. She went on to share this musical gift in Vespers each Sunday at The Cypress’ Stewart Center for many years.  

The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, December 21, 2016, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at The Cypress of Charlotte, Clubhouse – Community Hall, 3442 Cypress Club Drive. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, December 22, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., at Sedgefield United Methodist Church, 2830 Dorchester Place, Charlotte, NC 28209. Private burial immediately following.

Gwen’s family would like to express tremendous thanks for the selfless and tireless devotion of her caregivers in her final year. In lieu of flowers, please honor Gwen’s memory to either: Sedgefield United Methodist Church, 2830 Dorchester Place, Charlotte, NC 28209, OR Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, 28204.

 Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204. Online condolences at www.kennethpoeservices.com.