Gwendolyn McIntyre was born Gwendolyn Lemerle Carr on September 18, 1943 to Rodger Carr and Willie Mae Ferrell Bonner. Gwendolyn was born in Fulton County, Georgia in the city of Atlanta. Most knew her as Gwen.

As a young child, she moved to Cleveland, OH with her mother. In her early years, she would spend time down south in West Point, Georgia with her grandparents Frank Ferrell & Mary Broom Ferrell on their 100-acre farm where her grandparents grew cotton, and raised cows, chickens, and more. She came from a vibrant community of black farming families that supported one another and made up the St. John Baptist church community. While Gwen was an only child she was never alone as she had many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Many looked to her as a Big Sister like Shevon and Velma (her sister cousins). She babysat many of her other cousins as well. Gwen was the oldest living member of the Frank Ferrell bloodline; she would have turned 83 years old this year.

Gwen is an Alumna of East Tech High School, graduating in June of 1962. She then started working at University Hospital main campus as a Division Coordinator. There she showed everyone her bright spirit as she treated every patient and staff member as if they were a family member. She retired from University Hospital main campus as the Division Coordinator after 30 years. She returned to work at University Hospital’s Bedford location as a receptionist where she assisted everyone coming and going with her amazing smile and joyful demeanor. After 10 years in this position, she retired for the last time.

At an early age Gwen accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior and was baptized while living in Georgia. After moving to Cleveland, she continued to follow her faith attending various churches until she finally found her church home at Lee Road Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. She became a member of Lee Road Baptist Church on January 9th, 1983 and continued to be an active member within the church until her passing. She also enjoyed church gatherings and engaging with other church members. She attended Bible study when she could in person and virtually. Additionally, she was a part of the church Fidelity Missionary Group.

Gwen was married to the late Robert L. Miller for 26 years after meeting in high school at East Tech. They valued family time and cookouts with all those they loved. From this union two sons were born, Robert DaMar Miller and Kareem K. Miller in Cleveland, OH. In the early 90’s Gwen met the person who would become her partner in life, the late William McIntyre (Bill). On April 30, 1994 Bill and Gwen were married. They enjoyed spending time together, watching westerns, going to garage sales, and thrifting. Gwen frequently joined Bill on bowling and fishing trips to see the sights and take pictures. She loved outdoor activities, like sitting on her porch, tending her flowers, and taking walks. They spent nearly 28 years building a wonderful life together before Bill’s passing in February 2022.

Gwen loved spending time with family and going to the biannual family reunion. She would spend many of her days after retiring sitting in her sunroom. She delighted in entertaining many family and friends while serving her famous Creola beef or smothered pork chops. She was a very loving and active friend and made sure to stay in touch with her girlfriends. For instance, chatting every day, sometimes even multiple times a day, with her late best friend Patricia otherwise known as Pat. She and her good girlfriends even created the Birthday Club. Indulging in the company of all those she knew, friend and coworker alike, she was a social butterfly.

Gwen had many hobbies including making jewelry, and greeting cards, as well as, shopping, and photography. Gwen could be found most of the time behind the camera taking pictures of family and friends at holiday events, small gatherings, birthdays, vacations, family reunions, and even just during a trip to the park. She was an avid photographer collecting hundreds of photos of friends and family. She documented her life to remember all the many happy memories with others. Her favorite restaurant to celebrate most occasions was Dolphins. You would have seen her there for many birthdays and anniversaries. She enjoyed going out to LongHorn as well. Gwen was always lively and her joy was infectious. Speaking with her would always bring you to a smile or laughter.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Robert L. Miller, husband William McIntyre, father Rodger Carr, mother Willie Mae Bonner (Pete), and her sister friend Patricia. She is survived by her two cherished sons Robert DaMar Miller, and Kareem K. Miller (LaShaun), grandchildren; Cortland, Mason, Aechere, Eboni, Edward, Lamond, Lameer, Renee, Richelle, and Reah, and their mother Roeshana, as well as a host of great grandchildren, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was dearly loved in life and will be sorely missed in death. Her family and friends often expressed their love for her when saying goodbye by saying “I love you.” In return, she’d respond “love you more.”