Celebration of Life

Mrs. Gaderene Duncan McIlwain entered into the arms of an all wise and loving God on Saturday morning, October 3, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte N.C. On that day, a beautiful soul, full of love and faith ascended to heaven. She was the youngest of eight children born to the loving parents of the late Wardlaw and Leila Mingo Duncan in Lancaster S.C. on December 10, 1933.

She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where she served faithfully until she united in holy matrimony with the love of her life Curlee McIlwain; and to this union two sons were born, Marvin Lee and Glennis Ray. The couple moved to Charlotte N.C. and began their 39 years of marriage and Christian services. She became a dedicated and faithful member of Antioch Baptist Church. She served the Lord faithfully laboring in the ministry as a Deaconess, Missionary, Usher, Junior Usher Board Advisor and Director of Drama Department.

She graduated from the Lancaster County Public School. She was employed by Southern Bell Telephone Company where she retired after a long wonderful career. During her employment at Southern Bell, she made a lifetime of friendships with her wonderful colleagues.

She loved holidays and family get-togethers; any chance to spend time with her family was important to her. She was the youngest, most spoiled and bossiest of her siblings so everyone knew each year where the family gathering was going to be held. The Duncan family have many cherished memories of family cookouts at her home. She was a Diva in her own right always fashionable and stylishly dressed in beautiful attire. She loved to show off her newest outfits in her closet and didn't mind sharing them with her nieces, all except those outfits she fondly called her "Oh Lord, My God" attire because of how beautiful it was. Everyone knew they couldn't touch those outfits. They could only watch her graciously and proudly strut down the church aisle in it with elegance and class.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Curlee McIlwain, her parents Wardlaw and Leila Duncan; three brothers: Coleman Duncan, Loma Duncan and Lawson Duncan; and four sisters: Mamie Mackey, Bessie Massey, Eugenia Brevard, and Etta Watts; her father and mother in law Juddie and Ada Mc Ilwain.

She leaves to cherish her memories, the apple of her eyes, her pride and joy: two sons Marvin (Yvonne) and Glennis McIlwain; a beloved grandson Robert (Angela) Young; five beautiful grandchildren: Eboni, Myles, Ivory, Evan and Charlie; a beautiful great granddaughter Madison; a step-daughter Shirley McGriff; a sister in law Josephine Horton; a godson James Kenneth McGill and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Her days of sorrow and sickness have ended. She is now before the throne of God to serve Him always in His temple. Never again will she hunger, never again will she thirst. God has wiped away every tear from her eyes. Now her face glows with joy and her eyes sparkle with splendor. She is now resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord.

Broadcast: Homegoing Celebration of Life Gadarene McIlwain

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