Ms. Gwendolyn Joyce (Bledsoe) Calhoun

Gwen was born in Houston, Texas to Lon & Lucy Bledsoe. She was the granddaughter of Odessa & John Bledsoe. She attended Turner Elementary School & graduated from Jack Yates High School, both in Houston, Texas. In September 1968, Gwen enrolled as a freshman at Prairie View A&M University and attended a freshman orientation dance. There, she met Billy Calhoun (Bill), a sophomore from Rosser, Texas. The couple married then had their first and only child, Billy II, born on November 9, 1969.

Gwen transferred to Texas Southern University in Houston while Bill came home on weekends from his endeavor to earn a degree in Business Administration from Prairie View A&M University. Bill joined Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, located in the Houston Heights area where Gwen had been earlier baptized and later became the church musician.

Having earned a degree in elementary education and a Texas Teacher Certificate, Gwen began her professional career with the Houston Independent School District (HISD). She was a committed teacher who loved her students and taught them well for several decades. Later, she retired from HISD, yet continued her service as a Charter School Teacher. Gwen also found joy in traveling with students and parents to Europe and to other exciting destinations.

After their divorce, Gwen and Bill focused their attention on their son, Billy, who became her primary caregiver later in life.

Gwen transferred her membership from Community of Faith Church to worship with her son at First Metropolitan Church where she became a member of the Greeters Ministry. She was welcomed and loved.

In the last five years of Gwen’s life, Billy received support from Jeannette Calhoun to help with his mother’s care due to her many health challenges.

Gwen was preceded in death by her father, grandfather and grandmother. She is survived by her son; Billy; former husband, Bill and his wife Jeannette; mother, Lucy; brothers, Keith, Doug (Marilyn), and Ronald; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Patience was Gwen’s greatest virtue, which she used to be a beloved mother, a committed teacher, and a dear friend. She will be missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carlbarnesfuneralhome.net for the Calhoun family.