Gwendolyn A. Henderson-Allen

Gwendolyn (Gwen) Henderson-Allen was born in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Zena Louise Bailey Blount and the late Albert Daniel “AD” Brown on April 26, 1943. Gwendolyn was the oldest child in a family of 5 children. She leaves her only surviving sibling Malikah Abdus-Salaam (Faisal) to mourn her loss as Gwen was preceded in death by siblings Albert “Bunny” Brown, Nadirah Bahaar, and Reginald Bailey; she also had a brother Maxie Brown and sister Gloria Brown-Joyner (deceased) from her father’s previous marriage. She was also preceded in death by her late husband – James E. Allen (9 previous children), as well as her first husband Albert C. Henderson with whom she shared her four children: Eric Henderson (Bertrece), Tonyia Courtemanche (Joel), Leechel Dildy (Preston), Troy Henderson and 9 previous stepchildren including Albert Henderson Jr., for which she raised as her own and William (Saleem) Eason for whom she had a special bond. She is also survived by five adopted children: Mone Nash-Henderson, Devon Nash-Henderson, Patricia Nash-Henderson, Sedena Nash-Henderson, and Taveon Nash-Henderson. In honorable mention, Debbie Brick-Henderson was a cherished ex-daughter-In-law. In addition, she is survived by a host of many beloved nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren (too numerous to list). Gwen received her education in the Jersey City school system. She attended Snyder High School and furthered her education by attending Hudson County Community College. As she raised her family, Gwen was gainfully employed for many years at the American Can Company. She moved to Seattle, Washington when American Can was sold to Rexam. She retired from the Rexam Company around 2005 and moved back to NJ. As Gwen’s legacy is remarkable, her adventures are memorable. Who could forget her driving the F150 truck with Juju and Bertie in tow with her endless trips to Walmart “Walmark” as she called it, Lowe’s and Wawa for Wawa’s “best” ice. We certainly can’t forget her many antics and laughable memories of doing dental work on herself with Crazy Glue with unsuccessful results… Let us not forget her cooking Thanksgiving dinner on Muriel Avenue, her motorcycling with the club in Jersey City, her studying at the kitchen table on Steven’s Avenue for her GED. And let’s remember her many rides across Pulaski Skyway in the yellow Cadillac with her best girlfriends – Jeanie Eddington, Joyce Revels, and sister-in-law Sharon Bailey. For those who knew Gwen knew she was determined and strong-willed. She had a voracious appetite for life and sweets - and was fondly referred to as the “Cookie Monster.” Such a well-lived life is a tribute to Gwen’s strength and resilience. Everyone who knew Gwen remarked about her fortitude. Gwen, our left-handed dynamo, will be truly missed by all who called her either Gwendolyn, Miss Gwen, Ma or Mom, Aunt Gwen, Grandma, or Gigi. May she rest in peace. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Saturday, December 6th from 10:15-11:15 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 125 Garden St., Mt. Holly.. Funeral services will begin at 11:30 AM at the church. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the First Presbyterian Church at 125 Garden Street, Mt. Holly, NJ 08060 at: https://forms.ministryforms.net/embed.aspx?formId=3e34397e-9bec-4781-ae38-4c44175b158b

Gwendolyn A. Henderson-Allen

April 26, 1943 - November 24, 2025