Gwendolyn Dunnegan

**Timberlake** Gwendolyn "Gwyn" Carol Dunnegan, 80, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Duke University Hospital in Durham. She was born in Durham County to the late Earl Brinkley Dunnegan and Virginia Dare Powell Dunnegan. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Edward James Tivnan (Teddy) and Kenneth Lee Clyde; grandson, Joshua Wynne Lucas; and her high school sweetheart that she reconnected with and enjoyed many years before his passing, James (Red) Riley.

Gwyn was proud to be a Durham native and deeply cherished her hometown history and family lineage. She delighted in getting to know people and was well known for offering encouragement and kindness, even to strangers. She created masterful Southern dishes rooted in tradition and loved sharing great food with those around her. Gwyn especially enjoyed shopping at the local farmers market and supporting her community.

She loved her home on the river and often joked that the deer would knock on her door looking for corn. A devoted animal advocate, Gwyn was very active in ensuring the feral cats in her community were spayed and neutered to prevent unwanted litters, reflecting her compassionate heart.

Gwyn was actively involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren and rarely missed an athletic event or school function. She left this life surrounded by her loving daughters, fighting with the same strength and determination that defined her throughout her life.

She is survived by her son, Paul Brinkley Tivnan; daughters, Mary (Robert) Virginia Long, Catherine Tivnan Lucas, Carol Noel (Sean) Reardon, and Rhonda Lee Clyde; sisters, Lisa (Gary) Boggs, Dayle Wilkins, and Carla (David) Payne; 22 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Her home, her table, and her heart were always open, and her presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://www.apsofdurham.org/

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham/Hillsborough. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.