Gwendolyn Lee DeShong

We knew her as "Miss Hancock" in 1970. The use of "Ms" had not yet entered the common vernacular and she and Mr. Deshong had not yet married. She was my 10th grade English teacher and what an amazing person. Coming out of what was then "junior high" she was a breath of fresh air as a teacher. She encouraged us creatively to embrace both literature and the language. I still think of her for the encouragement she gave me to focus on my writing. It is something I enjoy to this day and am forever...

My condolences to Mike and all loved ones of Gwen. She was a special person to me-teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. She taught me valuable life lessons and was supportive of always "doing the right thing". Gwen, you will be missed. Your memory and spirit lives on in our hearts!

One of my favorite teachers and one of the few, dare I say the only one, who left a wonderful impression on me. I remember her vividly even after 29 years. So, so sorry I missed the opportunity to let her know that I ended up making something of myself, partly because of her influence, guidence, patience and understanding. She was one of the few teachers who ever had a conversation with me about my life outside of school. A conversation I never forgot.
Thank you Mrs. Desong for being...

Mike, Condolences on your great loss. She was surely a mentor to many, the love of your life and a loving mother, aunt, friend. She will be missed. Your chorus students and colleagues are thinking of you with warm thoughts.

Dear Gwen,

I was truly blessed to have you as a teacher, a devoted mentor, and a friend over the last 22 years. You took me under your wing as a 10th grader in Honors English at Hollywood Hills High School back in 1991 and you encouraged me to excel in all of my academic pursuits, especially in my writing and literature studies. I was blessed to have you mentor me throughout the college application process and my years at Cornell. I know it was because of your tutelage that I...

Gwen, you were truly an inspiration and it was my honor to have you as a teacher and mentor. You provided me with a lot of help and encouragement when I needed it most. You, I am sure, have left a great legacy as your students and friends benefited by having the pleasure of knowing you.

God bless you, Gwen. You have touched the lives of many. I will always remember you as the beautiful spirit that I first met at Elon. I hope your loved ones will find comfort.

May the God of all comfort grant your family peace at this time. (1 Cor. 1:3,4)