Gwendolyn Durroh was born on September 28, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Mae Etta and James Durroh. She peacefully entered eternal rest on December 14, 2025. Gwendolyn was lovingly known as “Cookie” by her family and friends. She was a woman of strength, warmth and unforgettable character.

A proud 1972 graduate of Glenville High School, she was a product of Cleveland Public Schools, attending Chesterfield Elementary and Patrick Henry Middle School. Moving on to post-secondary education, she attended Cuyahoga Community College for a short time before being hired on to work at Republic Steel, where her strong work ethic, witty charm, and warm embrace were well known. Dedicating 40 years of her life to the steel mill, assigned to various positions, she finally retired in 2018 from ArcelorMittal (Republic Steel-one entity with many transitions and owners-LTV Steel, ISG, Arcelor, ArcelorMital).

In 1974 Cookie married, the now late, Nolan Carver, and to that union their daughter, Tenealle Pamala Carver, was born in 1976. Even after the marriage ended, Cookie cherished her bond with the Carver family.  Living a full and independent life surrounded by family and friends, and loving her job at Republic Steel, she was open to love and met Benjamin Hall. They married and with that union came a “bonus daughter” Monique Hall. In 1985, their son was born, Geon Benjamin Hall, who preceded them in death on July 2, 2017.

Having accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in adulthood, her Christian faith remained the bedrock of her life. She was grounded in her beliefs, yet mature enough to accept those of other faiths, and she was always hopeful in the face of adversity. Confident that God was in control, she maintained a grateful spirit in all circumstances.

Known for her sharp tongue and remarkable memory, Cookie loved reminiscing about history, sharing stories and keeping family memories alive.  She found joy in simple pleasures-slipping on a great pair of jeans, gathering with family and friends and laughing over shared moments that became lasting memories.  Cookie was referred to as the “cool mom” who could relate to the youth. Her home was always a safe place where the young people could speak freely and feel supported enough to reset. She loved being a grandmother to Idris, Thani and Umar. They were her heartbeat.

Over the past year, Cookie faced her health challenges with faith and courage, having been diagnosed with lung cancer and a vascular disease. Through it all she remained resilient, peaceful and fearless, while being surrounded by love.

Cookie leaves to celebrate her memory, her brother James “Jimmy” Durroh Jr., sister-n-law Angie Durroh, nephews LaRon Carter and Jimmy Durroh II, daughter Tenealle Andrews, grandsons- Idris, Thani  and Umar Abdullah, best friend Emma “Chicky” Weaver, God children- Deanna Larry, Maurice Dancie and Samantha Claggett, God grandchildren- Monae, Marshe, Makailah and Maurice Dancie, and a host of family and friends that she adored.