Gwindolen Markham Webster

Gwin was born in Greenwoods Springs, Mississippi, on December 21, 1936, to L.J. and Ellie Jane Markham. She graduated from Smithville High School in 1955. Gwin was of the Baptist faith and a member of Jones Road Baptist Church. She was preceded by her parents L.J. and Ellie Jane Markham, her husband of 66 years, Johnnie H. Webster, siblings Ravis Markham, Ruth Markham Cox, Hazel Markham Ausborn, Clay Markham, and Ruby Markham Collums.

Gwin grew up on “Markham Hill”, settled in 1933 by L.J. Markham Family. From her childhood on the family farm to playing basketball, Sunday gatherings with family and neighbors to weekly trips to town, the fond memories were plentiful.

In 1955, Gwin moved to the Westside of Jacksonville, Florida, where she met her neighbor and the love of her life, Johnnie Webster. Gwin and Johnnie were married on August 4, 1956. She was the rock of her family; “For her proceeds are better than profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.” [Proverbs 3:14-18 NKJV] Gwin and Johnnie have two children: Darrell (Connie) Webster and Wanda (Gary) Taylor; six Grandchildren: Preston (Lori) and Aaron (Lauren) Taylor, Colin (Rebekah) and Hailee (J.T. Moody) Fagan, Joshua and Jeremiah (Anna Schell) Webster; five Great-Grandchildren: Kennedy, Axel, Ellie, Colter, and Elijah Taylor; sister-in-law Sybil Webster, and family in Alabama and Mississippi.

Gwin believed in hard work. Upon arriving in Jacksonville, she was employed at Dairy Queen, State Farm and Maxwell House. After 30 years of service, Gwin retired from Maxwell House in February 1994. From Maxwell House to church to our friends, people loved to call her Mama, Granny Gwin or Mama Gwin. While working outside the home, she was busy raising her family, assisting Johnnie with farming, gardening, a vigneron selling grapes annually, selling honey from beekeeping.

Gwin followed collegiate sports, especially the Florida Gators, Mississippi State and Old Miss. She enjoyed playing the piano, crocheting, being a homemaker, and listening to southern gospel music. Gwin was reverent, godly and pious. She loved the Lord and her church family – singing in the choir, prayer groups, potlucks, and making everyone feel welcome. Gwin and Johnnie played an integral role in the establishment of West Meadows Baptist Church. Heartfelt prayer comes from the depths of the soul. Her mind and heart were directed toward God with full and complete attention. Gwin’s words conveyed her deeply felt desires coupled with a commitment to act on the divine guidance she received. Her personal relationship with God was demonstrated daily in her words and actions.

Heartfelt thanks to Community Hospice Center for Caring at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, for the compassionate and loving care provided.

A visitation for Gwin will be held prior to the service on December 19, 2024, 12:30pm at The Well at Crystal Springs, 9120 Crystal Springs Road, Jacksonville, 32221. The service will commence at 1:30pm immediately following visitation, with Pastor Jeff Ray officiating. Interment following at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, 32205.

Flowers can be sent to Hardge-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, 32207 or The Well at Crystal Springs, 9120 Crystal Springs Road, Jacksonville, 32221. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Community Hospice of NE Florida, www.communityhospice.com/give.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, 32207, www.dignitymemorial.com.