Gwendolyn May was born on October 17, 1959 in Cleveland, Ohio to the Union of Pinell and Shirley (nee Gaston) May. By faith, she was baptized on March 19, 2022 as a Jehovah Witness.

Gwen went to school in Cleveland and graduated from Collinwood High School in 1977. She continued her education at Ohio State University. She was also a member Kappa Sweethearts Fraternity.

Gwen returned back to Cleveland to work as an eligibility specialist for Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services. She worked there for 33 years before retiring. During her time there, she was a Union Representative for AFSCME #1746 Local.

Gwen was blessed with one son, Adonis J Mitchell, whom she loved dearly. They were both avid Cleveland Sports Fans.

After retirement, Gwen shared in her mother's love of nurturing and raising Bradley, Chance and Nizah. She also inherited her mother's green thumb which is proudly displayed throughout her home.

On July 12, 2024, Gwen departed this life. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Pinell and Shirley May, one brother, Pinell Jr.

Gwen leaves to cherish her memory her son, Adonis; her bonus daughter, Tara; two brothers, Robert and Dwain (Luanne) May; cousins Patrick (Velva) Gaston and Rachel Gaston; three nieces Crystal, Jennifer, and Frankie; along with a host of other family members in Bruce, Mississippi; Detroit, Michigan; Freeport, Illinois; and Oakwood and Cleveland, Ohio.