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- Obituary:
Gwenda Joyce Aldridge was born to Lloyd and Joyce Harrison on January 10, 1948 in Odessa, Texas. She graduated from Odessa High School in 1966. She began her career with Southwestern Bell in 1970, where she retired in 2000 after 30 years of service. Gwenda married James Dwayne Aldridge in 1972 and together they had three children: Larry Ray Aldridge, Tiffany Leigh Aldridge, and Amber Christine Aldridge. In 1995, Gwenda added a most precious member to the family when she adopted Taylor Lea Aldridge.
Gwenda spent her life being a mother to all who knew her. While raising her four kids, she saw a countless number of young people come through her door distraught, scared, or in trouble. Each time, she welcomed them with an open heart and words of wisdom. She was stern yet loving. Once she loved you, she always loved you. She was not always gentle with her words, but she was always honest and generally knew what was best even if it was hard to hear. Gwenda taught her children the importance and value of work ethic and she lead by example. She worked hard to provide for her family after the sudden loss of their father while the children were still young. She did not complain and did not seek help from others. She simply made things happen. This is who she was. Gwenda made sure that her kids were raised to be self-sufficient and taught them everything from how to boil an egg to how to properly use a screwdriver, and that sometimes a butterknife doubles as one just fine! Gwenda was a fierce protector and supporter of the underdog and found happiness in helping others. Even in her times of personal struggle, she would often fret about those in need. She could regularly be seen giving food to strangers or inviting people to share what ever she had, no matter how small. This was also true with animals. With great resistance from her children, she insisted on having various pets over the years. The more trouble the pet was, the better. She sure loved a challenge! She also loved playing phase 10, but Phase 10 with Gwenda required total commitment because she planned each move strategically, giving the other players time to nap or even enjoy a meal as long as they didn't leave the table! She was serious about winning with no regard to the time it took.
Gwenda loved to laugh. If she laughed at your expense, it was because you were loved. She had a way about her that could turn almost any situation into a laughing matter. It was her sense of humor that got her through the rough parts of life, and It was her sense of humor that made her easy to talk to and easy to trust. It will no doubt make her easy to miss.
Gwenda loved with her whole heart and was always able to see the good in those around her, even when they had trouble seeing it in themselves. She set an example for her children by loving people as they were.
Gwenda will never be forgotten and has left a hole in the hearts of those who love her. Her children will miss her laugh, her hugs, her heart, her advice, and the love that only a mother can give. While there is immense pain in her absence, There is comfort in knowing that what she left behind can never compare to the glorious Kingdom of Heaven where she is now spending eternity.
"If I know what love is, it is because of you"
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Joyce Harrison, her grandparents, Bama and Grandpa Lancaster, her son, Larry "Chip" Aldridge, and her son in law, Guy Farley.
She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Tiffany and Paul Fioroni; daughter, Amber Farley; daughter and son in law Taylor and Hunter Skelton, granddaughters Kyleigh Fioroni, Kymber Farley and MaKayla Farley; grandsons Pierce Fioroni and Quinn Skelton; and great grandson Baylor Prescott.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 19, 2022 at 10 AM with Pastor Roy Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
(Published by Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa, TX)
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1948 - 2022 (74 years)
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