Gwendolyn "Nancy" Fish

Obituary For Gwendolyn "Nancy" Fish

Gwendolyn Wright Fish, lovingly known by family as "Nancy," transitioned on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Youngstown main campus of Mercy Healthcare System surrounded by loved ones as she crossed the celestial sands into eternity. Born on November 17, 1948, in Trussville, Alabama, Gwen was the beloved daughter of Wilton and Florence “Polly” Hammond-Wright.

Gwen filled her journey with the warmth of love, the strength of resilience, and the grace of a compassionate spirit. Gwendolyn’s life was a tapestry woven with the threads of family, friendship, and commitment to service.

During the 1950s, her family relocated to New Castle, Pennsylvania, where she spent her formative years. Later, Gwen married Wilbur Fish, a union blessed with two cherished sons, Wilbur “Red” Lee Fish Jr. and Thad "Danny “Daniel Fish.

In the late 1980s, Gwen moved to Ohio and became deeply involved in the Youngstown community. She was a passionate member of the Jesus Celebration Choir, sharing her love for gospel music. Her spiritual journey included lifelong membership with Ebenezer C.O.G.I.C. in New Castle PA and later uniting with the New Bethel Baptist Church where she faithfully served.

Professionally, Gwen continued her successful career in the insurance industry at Nationwide. She also expressed her entrepreneurial spirit by opening Gwen's Fashions Boutique, providing the community with stylish, high-quality apparel.

Beyond her vocations, she was committed to advocacy and civic engagement, leading and serving in several organizations such as the NAACP, League of Women Voters, and Souls to the Polls. Gwen was a member of the Youngstown-Warren Black Caucus, Secretary for the Community Mobilization Coalition and actively engaged in many political campaigns. Gwen was astute and resolute in her support for the candidates, issues and causes she vested her time into.

While Gwen exhibited a genuine love and appreciation for all humanity, she was unapologetic in advancing interests to empower the African American community,

Her dedication to raising awareness about Sarcoidosis led her to establish the nonprofit Stone of Help. She advocated on behalf of persons afflicted with this inflammatory disease that attacks multiple organs disproportionately impacting African Americans. She sponsored the late gospel singer Douglas Miller in a gala celebration to promote awareness of this condition.

Central to Gwen’s life was her unwavering love and devotion to her family and God. She was there, for everyone. Her legacy is marked by her resilience and love for God and family, values she exemplified in her daily life. Above all, her pride and joy were her beloved sons and grandchildren.

A vibrant and dynamic force, Gwen was known for her sharp wit, sassy (sometimes bossy) personality, and steadfast determination. She was admired for her business acumen, mighty prayers, and unshakable strength.

Gwen entrusts precious memories and moments with her sister Brenda Wilkins; brother, James Wilkins Jr.; daughter-in-law Claudia Fish; grandson Anthony Fish, granddaughter Jessica Jefferson and a large cadre of cousins, nieces and nephews, church family and friends.

As Gwen’s faith became sight, she assumes her rightful place at the ancestral table seated among her parents, Wilton and Florence (Polly) Hammond-Wright; James Wilkins Sr., sons Wilbur “Red” Lee Fish Jr. and Thad “Danny” Daniel Fish; siblings Rev. Mary Elizabeth Wright and John L. Wright; beloved grandmother, Annie Mae Hammond; maternal uncles Joseph and William (Evelyn) Hammond; maternal aunts Toot Ware and Odell Hammond Taylor; and other loved ones are among the great cloud of witnesses.

In celebration of the remarkable Gwen exemplified, a public viewing will be held at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman Street on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Kenneth L. Simon, officiating.

After the committal ceremony, Gwendolyn will be laid to rest at The Greenwood Cemetery, 32 South Greenwood Ave., New Castle, PA, alongside her sons. As we bid farewell, let us carry her light & fight within us, remembering the laughter, the warmth, and the love she so freely gave. May her memory live on in our hearts and in the legacy of compassion she has left behind.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Gwendolyn “Nancy” Fish elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.

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