Gwendolyn (Gwen), a longtime resident of Hampton, VA, passed away on April 24, 2025, at the age of 74.

She was the first of seven children born to Clifford Andrew Carroll, Jr., and Nora Bell Keeney Carroll of Leslie, West Virginia on August 10, 1950.

Gwen graduated from Kecoughtan High School in 1968 and lived abroad in Perth, Australia from 1971-1973. She studied Banking and Finance at Thomas Nelson Community College and worked in banking with SunTrust, Crestar, and United Virginia Bank from 1976-1996.

Gwen married the love of her life Ken Wilson on June 29, 1991. They were married for almost 34 years and had a wonderful life together full of travels and adventure.  They spent most of their leisure time boating and enjoying the beach lifestyle. They owned a condo in Belize for 16 years and enjoyed the beauty and wonder of the island life. In their later years, they vacationed  frequently in Panama with Gwen‘s sister and brother-in-law, who lived there on missions.  Ken and Gwen were active in the community, attending many charitable events over the years. You could say they lived the ultimate life!  And Gwen did it beautifully, always perfectly dressed, looking her best, and with that beautiful smile on her face.  She truly was full of life! 

Gwen had a love for all animals, especially cats. With help from her friends, she chartered A New Beginning Feline Rescue and Adoption, a nonprofit to rescue and find good homes for hundreds of cats over the years. Princess Grace, Gwen’s beautiful adopted Golden Retriever/German Shepherd mix faithfully stayed by her side day and night throughout her courageous battle with cancer. 

In December 2002 Gwen started volunteering at the Animal Aid Society on Butler Farm Road. She worked tirelessly for “her” animals every week for 23 years. Gwen’s love for animals knew no boundaries and she advocated for animals wherever she and Ken traveled.  Inevitably she would find some animals needing care, whether on the street or in the local shelter, and she would do what she could to “save the world one animal at a time”, as she would say. 

Gwen is survived by her husband, Ken Wilson, her daughter, Vonnie Griffin, three grandchildren and one great grandson; her stepdaughter Kathy Wilson Claeys (Ed) and three grandchildren. She is survived by five siblings Danny L. Carroll (Ginny), Michael D Carroll, Clifford W Carroll (Darleen), Catherine Carroll Hudgins (John) and Patricia Carroll Lee (Michael).

Gwen was a good and faithful servant of Jesus and was active in her church.  She loved bible study and attending worship services and was a volunteer in the clothing closet.  She was dearly loved by all those who knew her at church!

A celebration of life service will be held at St. Marks Methodist Church located at 99 East Mercury Blvd. Hampton Virginia on Saturday May 17th at 11:00a.m.

Friends and family are invited to remain for a reception following the service.

Memorial Gifts

Memorial donations may be made to 

Saint Marks Methodist Church 99 East Mercury Blvd., Hampton Virginia 23669 Animal Aid Society 80 Butler Farm Road Hampton, Virginia 23666

Indian Land Presbyterian Church 6549 Gopher Road Lancaster, SC 29720