Gwendolyn Gray Strief

Gwendolyn Gray Strief, 76, of Lakeland, passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021. She was born on July 16, 1945 in Plant City, Florida, to the late James and Geneva Gray.

Gwen worked for many years as a bookkeeper, starting as a teenager for Kroger, then Jay Nichols, Del Monte, and Delane’s Truck Brokerage where she worked most of her career. She was a hard-working, passionate figure of strength who never waned in her support or love of her family. She had a heart of gold and got along with everyone. She was always there to love, comfort, and care for those she loved. Her gentle spirit and genuine heart resulted in everyone around her feeling special. She attended Victory Church and loved God with all her heart. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved to spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren. She was always brave and courageous during her fight against cancer, and even when her health caused tremendous struggle, she soldiered on without complaint.

Gwen is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Cory) Rouse, grandchildren, Carter Rouse and Jessa Rouse, sister, Frances Stephens, brother Julian Gray, and many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Gwen is preceded in death by her parents James William Gray and Geneva Joiner Kelley, her husband of 45 years, Donald Strief, and her brother, Charles Wayne Gray.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 2pm, followed by a celebration of life at 3pm, on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.

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