Gwen Oakes Gaston
Oct 12, 1939 - Jun 22nd, 2021- Birth Date: Oct 12, 1939
- Death Date: Jun 22, 2021
- Funeral Date: Unknown
- Location:
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Biography: Gwen Oakes Gaston, 81, of Little Rock transcended this life surrounded by her family on June 22, 2021.
Gwen was born October 12, 1939 to Ennis and Elba Oakes. She attended Little Rock Central High (graduating at 16) and pursued undergraduate studies at Randolph Macon Women’s College. While raising her children, she earned a Master’s in Social Work from UALR, and later a Ph.D. in Psychology.
Gwen, or “Gigi” as we called her, loved her family with every ounce of her being and soul. Her love of life will carry on in the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Next to her family, Gwen loved to travel. She had a gypsy soul that for the past 16 years has been fed by her wonderful husband, Jim Gaston, making so many memories as they travelled around the world with each other, their friends and family. Gwen was happiest exploring new places and always looked forward to the next grand adventure.
Gwen is survived by her husband Jim, and four children; Kay Briscoe (RJ Looney), Ted Briscoe, Oakes Briscoe, and Noel Hinerman (Bucky), ten grandchildren; Christine Lay (Andrew), Blake Briscoe, Gabe Lodge (Hailey), Paige Briscoe, Sydney Briscoe, Maggie Lodge, Lily Briscoe, Kate Briscoe, Caroline Briscoe, Alex Hinerman, and two great-grandchildren; Jamey and Bella.
She is also survived by four stepchildren, Maurine Gaston, James Gaston (Gail), William Gaston, Richard Gaston (Michele) and step grandchildren Phillip, Margaret, Sarah, Buddy, James, Daniel, Richard, and Izzy.
Gwen lived life on her own terms. She loved playing bridge and her friends at the Little Rock Bridge House. She loved holidays, and would often request “Feliz Navidad” be played, no matter the season. She was feisty and passionate, very proud of her family, and loved seeing her grandchildren become amazing adults. Being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend were the things she loved most and did best. She kept a quote on her desk. It describes her very well. “Any woman who has been loved as I have been loved and who, has loved, has experienced life in its fullness.” She lived in joy, laughter, and love. She died in peace.
Memorials may be made in Gwen’s name to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology department or Little Rock Catholic High School for Boys. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.
Gwen and I became very good friends when she moved to Little Rock during our high school years. Those roots don't go away. I realized this when we saw Gwen and you, Jim, at our class reunions and then later in Crested Butte, CO. Gwen was quiet and sincere. Bright and beautiful. I love how she tossed her head back to offer a wonderful smile! What greater gift to a friend than to ask them to be a godmother to one of their children. Ted, this comes to you with my love. And Jim, as others have mentioned, may you be comforted, however bittersweet, by memories of your life with Gwen and the solace of your many friends. Sincerely, Delrena and Jim
The Williams Family--Nick, Sharon, Roger, and Richard
Thinking of all you during this difficult time. It is so hard to lose our mamas. I have many fond memories growing up with the Briscoes and your mom was a jewel. She will be so missed.
Iboo
Annette