Gwendolyn Agatha Merchant of Orange, NJ, formerly of Jamaica, West Indies, passed away peacefully in the presence of the Lord and surrounded by her family on January 9, 2019 at the age of 96.  She lived a long, happy, loving and healthy life until a brief recent illness.

Gwendolyn's service was held Saturday, Jan 19, 2019 at her church of many years Bethel Gospel Chapel, East Orange, Nj. Professional Services provided by Martin's Home for Service Inc, Montclair, NJ.

Born on May 11, 1922 to Ophelia Merchant, in Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica, Gwendolyn was the youngest of seven children, Adella, Clifford, Margaret, Edgar, Myrtle, and George, all of whom predeceased her.  Later in life, she was blessed to have two daughters.

Gwendolyn is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Harris and Joan Smith, and her grandson, Henry Smith. Also surviving are her nephews, Danstan Hutchinson and wife, Shirley, Louis Mais, George Merchant and wife, Beverly, Paul Merchant and wife, Muffet, Kacey Merchant and wife Kendra, and her niece Sandy Jones and husband, Corey, along with grand and great-grand nieces and nephews among her extended family.  Gwendolyn will always be joyfully remembered by her family and lifelong friends for her wisdom, sense of humor and grace.