Gwendolyn “Gwen” Bedsole, of Samson, Alabama, departed this earthly life and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 29, 2026, following a major stroke. While our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of the Lord whom she loved and trusted throughout her life.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday September 3, 2026 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL. Burial will follow in Samson First Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Gwen was one amazing woman. She was a strong, independent, and strong-willed woman who worked hard and rarely ever sat still. She enjoyed the simple things in life, especially working in her garden and flowerbeds and watching the hummingbirds she loved so much.
More than anything, Gwen was a helper. She was always willing to go the extra mile for a neighbor, friend, or family member. Whether she was baking a cake for someone, picking up groceries for a sick friend, “fixing a plate” to take to a neighbor, taking someone to a doctor’s appointment, walking a neighbor’s dog, or helping pay a friend’s bills during difficult times, Gwen was there.
She never did these things for recognition. When Gwen helped someone, you usually didn’t hear about it. She believed in helping people quietly and keeping their business private. She was one of the best secret keepers you could ever have.
Her faith was a very important part of who she was. She often reminded those around her, “It’s okay, don’t worry about it. The Good Lord will take care of it. They have to answer to Him.” Another phrase that was uniquely Gwen was, “I’ll be there if the creek ain’t rising and the Good Lord willing.” Those words will forever remind her family and friends of her.
Gwen was the heart and rock of her family. She was the best mother anyone could ask for. She would have given the world to her children and grandchildren if she could. She talked to her children every day and was always there when they needed her. As a child, all her daughter had to see was Momma “cut those eyes,” and she knew Gwen meant business.
Gwen’s greatest joy was her granddaughter, Reagan Cortez, who was truly the love of her life. The two shared a special bond that was treasured beyond words. Gwen loved giving Reagan “ice cream money,” always finding a way to slip it to her when she thought no one was looking—as if the rest of the family didn’t already know exactly what Nana was doing. Those little moments were just one of the many ways Gwen showed Reagan how deeply she loved her.
Gwen was also a devoted wife and spent many years caring for her beloved husband, Bobby Bedsole, while being a full-time caregiver to him. Her love, strength, and dedication to her family were evident in everything she did.
If you knew Gwen, you were blessed to know her. She was a special lady, a hard worker, a loyal friend, and a woman who left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Her absence leaves an enormous void in the hearts of her family and friends.
Gwen is survived by her beloved husband, Bobby Bedsole; daughter, Karen Cortez (Samuel); Heather Dunn, whom she welcomed into her family and loved as a daughter; granddaughter, Reagan Cortez; sisters, Carolyn Watson, Debbie Williams, and Foyce “Frosty” Johnson; brother, Shelly “June Bug” Williams; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorene Black and Jesse Black; sister, Elaine Moody; granddaughter, Hope Cortez; and nephews, Johnathan Watson and Dustin Watson.
Though we selfishly wish we could keep Gwen here with us, we find peace in knowing that she is now home. The woman who spent her life caring for others, loving her family, helping her neighbors, and trusting in the Lord has finally been called home to her eternal rest.
Until we meet again, Momma. We love you more than words could ever say.
“I’ll be there if the creek ain’t rising and the Good Lord willing.”
