Obituary of Gwendolyn Griffith-Marrero

Today we celebrate the remarkable life of Gwendolyn Griffith-Marrero. We ask that you rejoice with us as we acknowledge her calling to the Lord. Gwendolyn’s time on earth was filled with love, laughter, and honesty. She was a loving, compassionate, hard-working woman. She always kept it real with anyone she crossed paths with and helped everyone to see the reality of life. She always encouraged people's dreams and passion; reminding them to never stop striving to be the best version of themselves. During the times where you felt like giving up the most, words of encouragement and love poured from her mouth, reminding you that you are worthy. She never missed a beat on anyone’s birthday, and always reached out on any given holiday. She was everything you needed when you needed it. We are very fortunate to have known her and are honored to acknowledge her call to home. Her parents, Lloyd E. Griffith and Mattie Ruth Griffith gave birth to eight children. Gwendolyn was the 4th child born on October 28, 1960. She was born in Belle Glade, Florida and raised and educated in Browns Mills, New Jersey. Upon graduating High School, Gwendolyn joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Eustis, Virginia. She became an Administrative Specialist after a tragic accident during basic training where she fell 30 feet. This accident formed a lifelong injury–deeming her 100% disabled as a veteran. In 1983, she retired from the millitary with an E3 rank; a distinction she wore with pride. She later returned to her hometown and onto a new career at New Lisbon Developmental Center as a Building Maintenance Worker and then switched gears and became a Direct Aide. Gwendolyn was such a hard-worker. She never stopped seeking opportunities to provide for and become the best version of herself. As a result, she returned to Virginia to seek new opportunities. Her time spent there allowed her to be a multifaceted young woman, alongside reciprocating the life lessons passed down from her mother; grooming her to be successful. Upon returning to New Jersey, She gave birth to her son Marquis Melquan-Lloyd Griffith in 1990. Gwendolyn then met the love of her life, Joseph Marrero in Browns Mills, NJ. They married in 1993. To this union, their daughter Chante Bryann Wynn (Griffith-Marrero) was born in 1995. Gwendolyn served at the Burlington County Jail as a Data Entry Clerk for over 20 years, where she met her lifelong friend Kimberly Turner, along with a host of other loving friends. She retired from this position in 2016. She followed the steps of her mother, and had a strong love for God. She was a woman of faith and ensured her children knew God in every sense of the word. Her family became members of Pilgrims Full Gospel in Browns Mills, NJ. Her committed prayer life was easily recognized in her smile, the words she delivered, and with every step she took. As we celebrate her life, we remember those who have gone before her. We acknowledge the ancestors who established the legacy and guided her light. We remember her parents Llyod E. Griffith and Mattie Ruth Griffith. To carry on her loving legacy, she leaves to cherish her memory husband Joseph Marrero; son Joey Marrero (Cristina), daughters Crystal Reeves, Ajanee Marrero, son Marquis Melquan-Llyod Griffith (Mya), daughter Chante Wynn (Justin); Grandchildren Andrew Derose, Aniyah Marrero, Aaron Marrero, Sean Berrios, Calvin Derose, Elijah Marrero, Justin Wynn II, Joshua Marrero, Jasai Wynn, Aryah Griffith, and Jenesis Wynn. Siblings Laverne Henry, Frank Davis, Lloyd Griffith Jr., Shirley Griffith, Francina Kemp, Cathi Griffith, along with a host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, In-Laws, and friends.