God, in His infinite wisdom, gave wings to His servant, Gwendolyn Louise Speller Person, on December 15, 2024.  She was surrounded by her loving family as she "slipped the earthly bonds, put out her hand, and touched the face of God." Gwendolyn was born on November 28, 1934 in Halifax, North Carolina, to the late Buck Speller and Neva Cooper Speller.

Gwendolyn began her education in Halifax County, N.C., and started her high school education at Brawley High School before moving to Virginia to live with her oldest sister, Mary Whitaker.  She later met the love of her life Charlie Person, Jr. and they married in 1958. They became the proud parents of four beautiful children: Beverly, Jacqueline, Samuel, and Stacey.

In 1967, she sought employment as a school bus driver with Newport News Public Schools where she drove for 33 years. Her fondest memories were made as Warwick High School's Athletic Driver. Her passion for supporting student athletes, and ensuring their safe return home after practices and events, was evident in her unwavering dedication and care. She was like a mother to every student rider on her bus.  She reluctantly retired in June 2001.
Gwendolyn was a hard, dependable worker, a woman of her word, and a loving mother and friend.  She was always willing to lend a helping hand, especially when it came to family celebrations.  She could prepare a table of soul food that was better than any top restaurant, and it was something she did with love.
She was preceded in death by her parents Buck and Neva Speller, husband, Charlie Person, siblings, Johnnie Speller, Joe Speller, Sonnie Speller, Charles Speller, James "Frank" Speller, Buck Speller, Mary Whitaker, Leon Speller, Roy Speller, Pharoah Daniel Peterson Speller, Ethel Speller, Claudia Moorin, Benjamin Speller, Nathaniel Speller, Lily (Lucille) Speller and her daughter Beverly Jean Person.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories one daughter, Jacqueline Person-Wilson (Keith); two sons, Samuel Person (Adelle), and Stacey D. Person (Karen); two remaining siblings, Milton Speller (Lisa) and Geneva Dancy (Thurman); her grandchildren, Stacey J. Person, Terrence Howell Jr., Brieahna Henry, Shaquille Person, Dante Person, Keith Wilson, Jr., Chloe Wilson, Qua'Shauna Bazemore-Rodgers, and Jaquan Bazemore; 8 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.  She will forever remain in our hearts.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Restoration and Faith Kingdom Builders. Viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Monday.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.