Gwen Duarte

Gwen Duarte

Gwendolyn C. Duarte, 92, of Statesville, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022.

Mrs. Duarte was born in Chesnee, S.C., and was the daughter of the late C.J. and Louise Cudd.

She was a graduate of Chesnee High School, Winthrop College (The South Carolina College for Women), and received her master's degree in education from Furman University. In 1952 while teaching at North Greenville College, she married her beloved husband, Hugo Duarte. Hugo said of Gwen "she was very cute, small and gentle." Their loving marriage spanned more than 54 years. The family moved to Gastonia where Hugo and Gwen taught at Gaston College. Gwen retired in 1993 after 42 years as a college professor. When she moved to the Statesville area she continued her Christian walk as member of Western Avenue Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Duarte was preceded in death by husband, Hugo; and her son, Hugo "Hugh"; and her four brothers, Benjamin, Berryman, Byron, and Gerald Cudd.

Those left to cherish Gwen's memory are her loving daughter, Louise D. McLain (and son-in-law, Phil); and her grandchildren, Phillip McLain (Dana), Richard McLain, Erik McLain (Kourtni), Jennifer McLain Terry (Chandler), and Sarah Duarte. Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Weston, Braden, Madie Rae, Tate, Zane, Bella, Hadley, and Jaxson.

A funeral service celebrating the life of Gwen Duarte will be held at 3 p.m., Monday, Aug. 29, at Western Avenue Baptist Church, with the Rev. Brian Burgess and the Rev. Jeff Spry officiating. The family will greet friends at the church from 2 to 3 p.m. Burial will follow the funeral service at Ham's Grove Baptist Church.

Those wishing to make memorials are asked to consider Ham's Grove Baptist Church, Western Ave. Baptist Church or 106.9 the Light FM.

Condolences may be made to the Duarte family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

The family extends special thanks to Gwen's loving caregivers, Beverly Boddie and Jean Redmond.

Troutman Funeral Home

www.troutmanfuneralhome.com