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Gwendolyn Elizabeth
Pelote
Nov 25, 1940 — Oct 14, 2022
East Orange
Ms. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Pelote was born in Savannah, Georgia. on November25,1940 to Mr. Alexander Pelote Sr. and Rosalie Best- Pelote. The second of four children, she was baptized at an early age under the leadership of her grandfather, Jessie Mims, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Savannah, Georgia where she participated in the junior choir, the usher board, and Sunday school. Gwendolyn attended Mrs. Lillie Hill kindergarten, West Savannah Elementary School, and later she attended Woodville High school. Woodville High School's name changed in Honor of Mrs. Sopronia Tompkins in 1959 and she was part of the first class tograduate from Sopronia Tompkins High School. She was Ms. Congeniality and a member of Tompkins High School marching band where she played the clarinet and was a member of a social club. Upon moving from Savannah to New Jersey, she earned degrees from Upsala College, Jersey City State College, and Seton Hall University. She was an educator with the Newark Board of Education for over 30 years teaching at Newton Street School as a Special Education Teacher. Gwendolyn's deep Christian roots led her to join St. Agnes St. Paul's Episcopal Church where she was a faithful member whose infectious smile and loving heart was freely shared at every Sunday morning service. She is preceded by both parents Alexander Pelote Sr. and Rosalie Best Pelote Miller; brothers Carl Leroy Best Sr., Alexander Pelote Jr. and Alphonso Pelote, grandmother Mrs. Maude Best Mims, and grandfather Mr. James Miles Best. She leaves behind a devoted and loving friend Mr. Jessie Weems for almost 50 years, two devoted children Mr. Michael R. Pelote and Ms. Alledine R. Goines. A special nephew Mr. Gregory W. Pelote Sr.; loving sisters, Mrs. Rosemarie Pelote-Bowers, Mrs. Maretta Pelote-Daniel (Kerry) and Teresa Pelote-Thornes; one aunt, Mrs. Carolyn McCloud; three grandchildren Mechelle Clair(Marco), Jonathan M. Pelote, and Andrew N. Pelote; three great grandchildren Mario Jackson II, Mechi Butler and Morgan Clair and a host of nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Goddaughter Dr. Rosalyn Matthews and Godbrothers Robert Green (Poole) and Harold Lewis. Also cherished family; Mr.& Mrs. Donikle Hardy Sr., the Oliver family, Chris Brown and Family, the Newton Street School family and devoted best friend, Carol Branch.
This obituary is published with permission of the family of Gwendolyn Elizabeth Pelote and may not be copied © 2026
Friday
Martin s Home for Service (Montclair, New Jersey)
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Friday
Adams Funeral Service
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Saturday
St. Matthew's Church Episcopal Church
Starts at 11:00 am
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