Dr. Gwendolyn Y. McCurry

Dr. Gwendolyn McCurry, loved by a host of family and friends, Homegoing service will be 11:30 am., Saturday, April 20h at Imani Temple Ministries 2463 N. Taylor Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH. 44118. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service.  Public Visitation will be Friday, April 19th at Imani Temple Ministries from 4-7 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Lucas Memorial Chapel. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park.

Obituary

Gwendolyn Yvonne McCurry (nee Smart), a beacon of spiritual guidance and unwavering faith, has a new heavenly address as of April 3, 2024. 
Early Life: 
Gwendolyn was born on February 25, 1935, in Wetumpka, AL, to Lorenza A. and Ellen D. Smart. The Smarts had two children, Gwendolyn Yvonne and
Lorenzo Alexander Jr. Gwendolyn (the oldest of the two) was known for her humility, compassion, strength, endurance, and empathy.
When she was five, her family moved to Cleveland, OH, for better opportunities. Gwendolyn enjoyed caring for her little brother and cousins, all boys; she
earned the nickname Queenie. She attended Glenville High School and while roller-skating at the Doan Skating Rink, she met Carl. Soon, they
were dating and married. Carl was drafted into the military after the first child was born and was stationed overseas. He returned to Cleveland and
their family grew to nine children. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary! 
Family & Marriage:
Her enduring love marked Gwendolyn's journey for her husband, Carl. They were like a comedy show, laughing and sticking up for each other.
Together, they built a legacy through their nine children: Deborah A. Pollard (William), Constance L. Leftridge, Carl E. (Julyn), Yvonne Cook (late husband
Melvin), Katherine E. Knox (Michael), Daniel, (Denell), David (Sandra), Marie A. Norris (Mark), and Valicia L. Haywood (Michael). Further enriching her life
was the joy of her twenty-seven grandchildren and twenty-seven great- grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply. 
After dedicating her early years to raising her nine children, Gwendolyn embarked on a career that reflected her lifelong passion for helping others.
She worked at Health Hill Childrens Rehabilitation Hospital, offering comfort and care to children.
Spiritual Journey:
One evening, while watching a minister on television, she re-committed her life to Christ. The McCurry house on East 110th was destined for change, as
she invited the holy spirit to dwell in her home. She began to attend a community church, Christian Tabernacle, under the leadership of Reverend William T. Sawyer Jr., where she became very active. Gwendolyn then joined the Pentecostal Church of Christ under Bishop J. Delano Ellis II leadership. There, she became Ruling Elder, had Noon prayer, counseled, and ministered at affiliated churches that needed strategic guidance under their umbrella. The next was Mega Church under the leadership of Bishop Luther J. Blackwell Jr, where she continued to serve wherever she was needed, including an anointed Wednesday prayer session. During all this, she continued to have people appear at her home for counseling, prayer, Bible study, prayer meetings, deliverance meetings, and even a children's ministry that met on Saturdays. There were speaking engagements with well-known ministers around the country. She was also the president of the Cleveland chapter of Flame Fellowship International, a women Christian international fellowship, for ten years. The need for spiritual guidance finally outgrew her home, leading to the
establishment of All Nations Deliverance Ministries International, where she served as Pastor for twenty-three years. 

Legacy Impact:
Gwendolyn's impact extended far beyond her family. Her ministry, spanning over 40 years, was a testament to her unwavering faith and dedication to spreading God's love and understanding. As a pastor, fellowship leader, honorary doctorate recipient, instructor and mentor, she left an indelible mark on the lives of many. Her legacy of spiritual leadership and community service will continue to inspire and guide us. Gwendolyn's life was a journey of faith, love, and dedication. Reminding us of the impact one person can have on the lives of many. Her memory will
continue to inspire and guide us. Gwendolyn's life was a testament to her profound compassion and commitment to her family, community, and faith.
Lovingly submitted,
The Family