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Gwendoline Alpha Young Fortune

FUNERAL HOME

Chestnut Funeral Home - Gainesville

18 NW 8th Avenue

Gainesville, Florida

Gwendoline Fortune Obituary

FORTUNE,

GWENDOLINE A., 87

Gainesville - Dr. Gwendoline Alpha Young Fortune, 87, of Gainesville, FL died on July 27th peacefully in her home with friends and family. Born September 27th, 1926 in Houston, TX to the late Georgia Mitti McCain, pharmacist and William Hermon Young physician, and son of Harbison president; Rev. Calvin Monroe Young.

Gwendoline moved from Texas and lived in the Carolinas, Illinois, and Florida; additionally, she traveled extensively over five continents. She was a life long educator, classically trained soprano, writer, and winner of many awards. Gwendoline held a Doctor of Education, Masters of Philosophy and Science, and Bachelors of Science. She studied voice, clarinet, and piano at Juilliard at aged 18. She went on to become a beloved teacher at the elementary, secondary and college level. Since retiring, she published three novels Growing Up Nigger Rich, Family Lines, and Noni and the Great Grands with an additional memoir Outsider in the Promised Land to be published posthumously.

She is survived by three sons, Roger, Phillip, and Frederic as well as three granddaughters, Marlow, Cooper, and Elizabeth. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to Bennett College in the name of Gwendoline Fortune.

"A Chestnut Service"

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Published by Gainesville Sun from Jul. 31 to Aug. 1, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Gwendoline Fortune

19 Entries

Todd Custer

March 9, 2022

Roger, not sure if you remember me but just had to reach out when I saw your Moms obituary. I´m so sorry to see that your mother passed way. I totally remember her at Old Orchard JH and know she was friends with my Dad. My condolences to your family.
Todd Custer

Buck Rives

May 10, 2021

Wow! I was just looking up my old friend and this came up. I sit with my tears. I was her “handyman” when she lived in Saxapahaw, NC. We talked for hours about anything. I loved that lady and still do. I am honored to have gotten to know her.

Buck Rives

May 10, 2021

Buck Rives

May 10, 2021

Peggy Montes

August 18, 2020

At last I was able to find out what happened to my dear friend. We were best friends in Chicago. My last found memory of her was from visiting with her in Carolina and speaking with her when she moved to Texas. She was a very special person! Rich in talent. Even today I miss her. My sympathy to her sons.

Chris Dadabo

July 27, 2020

Dr. Gwendoline Fortune made an impression on me as a shy freshman at Oakton Community College in 1972. I have never forgotten how she courageously shared her personal experiences to help us sheltered young people begin to get in touch with feelings on race. With all that is occurring in the "Black Lives Matter" movement my thoughts have been with her. Rest in sweet peace dear lady. Thank you and God bless you.

Nancy Cesario

June 1, 2015

I am shocked to hear of Gwen's passing. I first encountered her as my 7th grade English teacher at Old Orchard Jr. High.... she called me her "little clothes horse." We met again at Oakton Community College, Morton Grove campus, where she was my instructor.Years later, I encountered her again, when she and I both taught at the Skokie and Des Plaines campuses of Oakton. Some months back, I looked for, and located, her Facebook page, and sent her a message. She was really an inspiration to me, and quite influential in my becoming an educator. She spoke of her sons often. She was quite a wonderful lady, in addition to being a great educator. I'm so very sorry to hear of her passing. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.
Nancy (Berlin-Justman) Cesario

Karin Pritikin

May 11, 2015

Two of my fave memories of Gwen: battling her for the Laudate Dominum solo when Skokie Valley Choir did the Mozart Vespers in 1970 ( she won) and singing In Dulce Jubilo by Buxtehude in a trio along with Leigh Williams under Thelma Wilcox's Baton at Church of the Atonement on Ardmore. Mrs Fortune was not only a great and dedicated educator, but an elegant and kickbutt soprano!!! My prayers for peace and calm to her loved ones and a smile- knowing you have many magnificent memories to treasure!

Jim Litwin

May 11, 2015

I remember her well from her Skokie days. What a talent! She will be sorely missed.

Susan Levinson

May 10, 2015

Roger, Phillip, and Frederic, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom. Today being Mother's Day, and your first without Gwen, must be bittersweet. I was so fond of your mother and was happy to be back in email correspondence with her over the last few years of her life. She spoke of her health challenges and her fall but I was hoping to hear from her again. Please accept my condolences. Growing up on Kilbourn in Skokie was such an amazing childhood experience and I will never forget the Fortunes on the corner. I was glad that Roger and my sister Linda had each other as the two youngest on the block. Take care, gentlemen. Your mom was so special to me.

Tyson Adams

January 14, 2015

Gwen was a great conversationalist and friend. Will miss her.

Frank Sheffield

August 25, 2014

I'll cherish the memory of her always-appropriate impatience.

August 25, 2014

She touched so many--myself included--with her words and wisdom.

Lynne Alston-Leonard

August 4, 2014

You were a brilliant woman, ahead of your time, the historian of our family...always seeking new thought... always speaking up and out...but to me you were simply my smudging "Aunt Gwen"---even though Uncle T was quick to remind us that it was actually "Cousin Gwen." Know that you are loved. I pray that you have now found eternal PEACE.

Jennifer Gerth

August 4, 2014

Ms. Gwen was an exemplary woman of exceptional spirit, expression and talent. Her light shone far and wide, showing so many the way forward and upward. A treasure, indeed a fortune.

June Locklin

August 1, 2014

Gwen touched me deeply in my short time with her.

Jan Tucci

August 1, 2014

Gwen was a bright, spirited woman with forward thinking ideas. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on.

July 31, 2014

Another light has gone out;another voice is silent.

curtis peterson

July 31, 2014

Caring and Sharing Learning School will benefit for years to come because of your kind heart.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results