Gwendolyn Cox

Obituary For Gwendolyn Cox

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

Gwendolyn Cox was born on October 13th, 1947, to her loving parents, James Bolden and Hattie Bolden, in Camden, South Carolina. Five children were born of this union, with Gwendolyn being the oldest child. Gwendolyn transitioned from this life on May 4th, 2025, at Catholic Health Good Shepherd Hospice in Rockville Centre, New York.

Gwendolyn graduated from Jackson High School in Camden, South Carolina, in 1965. She moved to New York at 18 years old. She worked at the A&S Department Store in Downtown Brooklyn. She met the love of her life, Willie, in September 1972. Together they welcomed their daughter Lakecia, who was born in August 1974. Their beloved relationship lasted for 53 years.

Gwendolyn left New York in the early 80’s and moved back to Camden, South Carolina, with her daughter. She lived there for 2 years before moving back to New York due to the job market.

Gwendolyn started working for Bloomingdale's in the late 80’s. She had an eye for fashion and loved to dress well. She was a classy, sophisticated, and very stylish woman. After working her way up within the corporate world, she became an Assistant Buyer for Ellen Tracy, Karen Miller, French Connection, and Donna Karen. She retired from her career after 27 years in 2008.

During her life she shared with Willie, they loved going out to see musical groups. They enjoyed The Temptations, The O'Jays, The Isley Brothers, Teddy Pendergrass, and The Commodores.

Gwendolyn enjoyed her retirement, and she was even more overjoyed when her daughter Lakecia became pregnant with her first grandchild in 2011. She took on her role as a loving grandmother and enjoyed raising her wonderful grandson Jordan. When Jordan was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, she became Jordan's CDPAP caregiver. Her greatest joy in life was her grandson.

Gwendolyn is preceded in death by her parents, James Bolden and Hattie Bolden, and brothers James Bolden Jr. and Jerome Bolden. She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter Lakecia Cox of New York, life partner Willie Benton of NY, and grandson Jordan Wilson of New York. Her sisters, Mary Williams of Charlotte, NC, and Teresa Griffin of Charlotte, NC; aunts, Ada Crenshaw (Matthew) of Charlotte, NC, and Minnie McCovey.

of Brooklyn, New York; nieces, Torian Williams of Stinnette, PA, Tiffany Fayette of Charlotte, NC, Rasheeda Magny of Charlotte, NC, and Jamilia Bolden of Charlotte, NC; and cousins, Shauna Anderson of Charlotte, NC, Theresa Hammonds of New York, Maureen McCovey of Brooklyn, NY, Reece McCovey of Brooklyn, NY, Jacqueline McCovey of Brooklyn, NY, Tyrone McCovey of Charlotte, NC, and Angela McCovey of New York. In addition to a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.