Gwendolyn Ruth (Hooks) Craven

Life’s Reflection

Mrs. Gwendolyn Ruth Craven was born on October 2, 1932, in Kansas City, Kansas, to the parents of the late Edward Wesley and Ruth Ruby Hooks.  Two sisters, Bernadine Mason and Sharon Fenrick preceded her death.

She received her education from the Kansas City, Kansas School System, graduating from Sumner Class of 1951.

She had a desire to be a nurse but was not able attend college.  Being the big sister, she helped out at home.  She would have been an awesome nurse.

One of the churches she attended as a child and a part of her adult life was Armourdale/Havenside Church of God in Christ.  She accepted Christ and was baptized.  While attending Gethsemane Church of God in Christ, she rededicated her life following her daughter’s rededication to the Lord and attended church faithfully.  Then she joined Mt. Carmel COGIC, under the pastorship of Bishop Ervin Sims Jr. and was able to worship the Lord together with her sisters.   Later, she became a part of the Mother’s Board.  She was a faithful servant to God, family, and her church.

She was united in holy matrimony to Charles Louis Craven.  This union brought together two families - two boys and a girl, two boys, and the birth of one child, a baby girl.

She was good at crossword puzzles, a great caretaker, a giver, a wonderful cook, and baker.  A sweet one indeed.

On the morning of June 11, 2022, the Lord welcomed her into His heavenly home.  She was preceded in death by husband, Charles Louis Craven; stepson, Charles Craven Jr.; daughter-in-law, Regina Hooks; grand-daughter, Andrea Shields; grandson, Monte Hooks; and great granddaughter, Amare K. Race.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: son, Arthur Wayne Hooks, KCMO; son, Gerald Lamar Hooks, Seattle WA; daughter, Gwenette Grady, Warrensburg, MO.; stepson, Robert (Laresa) Craven, Edwardsville, KS.; step daughter, Pamela Craven, KCKS; daughter-in-law, Alfrenia Craven, TX; sister, Deborah Starnes, KCKS; sister, Beverly Scott, KCKS;  grandson, Gregory L. Race II (Lindsay), Ankeny, IA; grandson, Germaine N. Race (Whitney), Olathe, KS; step granddaughter, Kimberly Craven Gannon (Michael), FL; step grandson, Christian Craven, TX; step granddaughter, Jennifer; step granddaughter, Stephanie Craven;  step granddaughter, Candace ; step granddaughter, Nicole Craven; step granddaughter, Amberia Craven, NKC; great grandson and granddaughter, Xavier and Gabrielle Race; great grandsons, Kagan and Cope Race; and many more grandchildren, step grandchildren, and host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

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