Gwendlyn Marie Everett's Obituary
Gwendlyn Marie Everett
June 13, 1959 – June 13, 2025
With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Gwendlyn Marie Everett, who departed this life peacefully on her 66th birthday, June 13, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington.
Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, to her beloved mother Josephine Bailey and the late Ruben Bailey Sr. Gwen and her military family relocated to Tacoma, WA in 1969 after living in Nuremberg, Germany for 3 years. Gwen lived a life defined by compassion, strength, and joy. Known for her gentle heart and warm spirit, she made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
Gwen served her community faithfully for over 20 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant in both nursing homes and home care. Her hands brought comfort and dignity to the many lives she touched. She had a quiet but powerful way of making people feel cared for, seen, and loved.
A four-time cancer survivor, Gwen faced her battles with unwavering courage. She was a longtime participant in Relay for Life marathons, earning numerous medals, and walking in honor of survivors, fighters, and those lost — always with hope in her heart and purpose in her steps.
She found happiness in life’s everyday joys — jogging the streets of Tacoma, solving puzzles with impressive focus, dancing with natural rhythm and grace, and loving her cherished cats. A lifelong fan of Serena Williams, she admired her strength and determination. Spiritually, Gwen explored and honored many paths, including Buddhism and Islam, before ultimately placing her faith in our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, which brought her deep peace and fulfillment.
She is survived by her beloved son, Harold J. Bailey; and her siblings: Barry Banks, Jessie Banks, Corlin Thomas, Ruben Bailey Jr., Barbara Dudley, Teresa Bartholomew, Terrie Bailey, and Celestine Bailey. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends across the country who will miss her deeply and remember her with love.
Gwen was preceded in death by her; siblings Willie Williams, Tequilla Banks, and Mable Banks; her nephew Bruce Johnson Jr., and niece Yulinda Summers.
A public viewing will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A Homegoing Service will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Mountain View Funeral Home, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Tacoma, WA 98499, in the Celebration of Life Center.
What’s your fondest memory of Gwendlyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gwendlyn?
Share a story where Gwendlyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gwendlyn you’ll never forget.
How did Gwendlyn make you smile?