In the comfort of her own home on Friday morning February 5, 2021, our Lord and Savior called Gwendolyn Bayne Worrell-Carter Home to be at peace. Fondly referred to as Gwen, she was the beloved daughter and second born to the late James and Alice Bayne in Kosciusko, Mississippi on Jun 10, 1964. Gwen adored her three siblings, Cheryl Bayne, Paula Winters (of Kosciusko, MS) and James Bayne Jr. (of Allen, TX), their spouses and children, and the many memories they share.

While growing up in Mississippi, Gwen was known as an intelligent, kind and beautiful young lady who was loved and respected by all. After completing her secondary education at Kosciusko Senior High School, she left home to pursue her undergraduate college studies at Mississippi Valley State University where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. Her talent in clarinet granted her a music scholarship and the honor to march in the "Mean Green Marching Music Machine," as first chair. The highlight of her college career was becoming a 1984 initiate of the illustrious EpSilon Pi chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated where she was chosen to be the #5 of the 12 Glamorous Ladies of a New Dimension, and affectionately known as Lovely Lady-Kin.

After college Gwen worked briefly in the financial industry before transitioning to a medical clinic where she met the charismatic Dr. Kevin Worrell (of Nashville, TN), who swept her off of her feet. After their marriage on April 7, 1990, Gwen and Kevin relocated to Bowie, Maryland, where Gwen started her career in education at Tayac Academy. From this union they created the true apple of their eyes, their daughter, Camille LaPerle, who could truly do no wrong. They enjoyed many years together as a family, and after a long battle with brain cancer the Lord called Kevin home the winter of 2008. As a widow, Gwen soldiered on and was blessed with reconnecting with her college sweetheart, Mr. Dwan Carter (of Tchula, MS), who brought light and love back into her life. Their family expanded to four as Gwen gained a son through Dwan, Dominick, and Dwan gained a daughter in Camille. On December 21, 2009, she and Dwan married and enjoyed several years of laughter, family reunions, music festivals, and trips to Florida- but there was nothing like coming back down home to Mississippi-that was truly the highlight of Gwen's years. Gwen believed deeply in family and the power of education, always helping Camille and her students at St. Ambrose Catholic School and Laurel Elementary to accomplish their goals and underlying passions. To these students she was not only known as "The Math Whiz," but she was also instrumental in creating new methods of learning to adapt to ever-changing curriculums. Gwendolyn obtained her Masters Degree in Teacher Leadership from Walden University in 2010 with a 4.0 GPA- all while working full time as a teacher and parent. She was a trailblazer in implementing Black History programs and culture where she saw the need for representation. Her leadership was admired in every arena, when she showed up, she showed out! In 2000, she spearheaded "Bring the Tradition of Cotillions" to the Xi Xeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and acted as a consult for many events at Camille's high school, Elizabeth Seton (Bladensburg, MD) where her keen eye for decor was entrusted on many occasions. From 2018-2020, she served as the President of the Mississippi Valley State University DC Alumni Chapter, and under her direction the chapter continued to thrive.

Gwen was an active parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Largo, MD) where she served as a member of the Good Samaritans and Arts and Environment committee. She continued as an active member of her sorority in the Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of AKA and dedicated several hours of service to her students outside of work tutoring and mentoring the "Little Ladies of Laurel."

Gwen will forever be in our hearts and memories. We are comforted by the wonderful expressions of love many of you have extended in our time of need. Gwendolyn would sincerely appreciate all that has been done to make her transition dignified as well as celebratory and representative of her own unique style and grace. It is with the deepest sense of appreciation and great love that we simply say. Thank you. We extend a special thanks to our family, extended family, and friends.

"Gwen's Facebook page will remain open and all are welcome to post memories and final words to her there."

PLACE OF GRAVESIDE: Parkway Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS

DATE OF GRAVESIDE: Wednesday 2/24/2021 at 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT: Parkway Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS