Gwendolyn Marie Harwell McNeil, daughter of the late Elma Harwell Dotson and Bennie Harwell was born August 10, 1953 in Chicago, IL. She attended Bolivar Central High School and earned her Master's from Memphis State University. She was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Gwen was an exemplary educator teaching at Memphis City Schools for 30 years and was once honored as Teacher of the Year. After retirement she volunteered for various organizations.

Gwen was a devoted member of Metropolitan Baptist Church and was chairperson of the Hospitality Committee. She faithfully served on numerous ministries, including Rebecca, M.J. Owen's Circle, MASA, and occasionally taught Sunday School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Howard Greene and Kenneth Harwell. Gwen loved family. She was married to Willie Alexander McNeil for 50 years. To this union sons Quincy Alexander (Myuki) and Glenn Ashton were born. They have a grandson, Cristi on McNeil.

Left to hold dear her memory are brothers: William Dannie Harwell (Carla), Eric Dotson (Maria); sisters Jeanette Wilson, Juliette Harwell Becton; sister-in-law Pearlie Mae Jackson (Robert) and an uncle John Thomas Greene (Jacqueline). She will also be missed by many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Gwen said "Either the Lord will heal me or he won't, but it is well with my soul."

The family will receive friends Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 9:00am-10:55am with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00am both will be held at Metropolitan Baptist Church 767 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN 38126.

Interment will be in Union Hill MB Church Cemetery 200 Robinson Ln, Whiteville, TN 38075