Gwendolyn Allbright's Obituary
Gwen Allbright died peacefully at her home on Monday, September 27th. She was born March 18, 1931 in Electra, Texas, the only child of C.P. and Brunetta Sanderlin. Gwen attended public schools in Longview and then received a Bachelor of Science degree from East Texas State in 1952. She taught in the Pine Tree, Greenville and Beckville ISDs before continuing graduate studies at Stephen F. Austin where she earned her Masters Degree in Education. Gwen continued her teaching career in the Pine Tree and Hallsville ISDs before retiring after 32 years of service in the public schools system.
While teaching was Gwen?s lifelong passion, she also enjoyed tending her flower gardens and took great joy in watching wildlife come to feed in her back yard. She was a gifted crafts artist who generously shared her unique talents with others. Gwen held lifetime memberships in the Texas State Teachers association and PTA. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. Gwen was the first woman honored with the Community Builder Award by the James F. Taylor Masonic Lodge #169.
Gwen was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Hallsville where her love of God was reflected in her devotion to her faith, family, and friends. She counted her fifty-two year marriage to Harry Allbright as one of her richest blessings. Her children were paramount in her life and she celebrated in the love and joy that their chosen spouses brought into the close-knit family. She took great pride and delight in her three cherished grandchildren who loved her beyond compare.
Gwen was preceded in death by her father, C.P. Sanderlin and her daughter, Anita Louise Allbright Spradlin.
Gwen is survived by her husband, Harry Allbright, Jr.; a son, Harry Allbright, III and his wife , Merry; a daughter, Laurie Allbright Gunn and her husband, Glenn; her mother, Brunetta Sanderlin; and three grandchildren, Carina Allbright, Abby Gunn and Sam Gunn.
The family would like to thank everyone who supported Gwen with prayers and expressions of love. She was surrounded by friends and family to the end. A special thank you is given to the staff of Greater Hospice of Texas who made Gwen?s courageous end-of-life journey more comfortable.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Services will be 2 PM Friday, October 1st at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Dan Darby officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Hallsville First United Methodist Church Building Fund at P.O. Box 365 Hallsville, Texas 75650
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