Gwendolyn Elizabeth Wilkinson Jennings Hawke Collins, 97, went to Heaven with Jesus on May 11, 2023, at her home in Riverview, Florida, where she lived since 1956. She was born Gwendolyn Elizabeth Wilkinson on July 20, 1925, in Tampa, Florida. Gwen was a loving mother and a great encourager to her family and friends. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Riverview since 1956, and started the Cradle Roll (Preschool) Department there. Her favorite preschool age group were the 3-year olds.

She is survived by her four children, Pamela Jennings Jennier (Walter), Leslie Hawke McConnell (Guy), Dale Hawke, and Lori Hawke, as well as her sister, Barbara Baity, and daughter-in-law, Virginia Jennings. She also is survived by six grandchildren, Daun Jennier, Jack Peters (Jennings), James Jennings, William Jennings, Paul Jennings, and Ian McConnell, ten great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, William Carl and Ruby Corrine Hertell Wilkinson, her three husbands, Jack Jennings, Robert Hawke, and Edward Collins, her oldest son, James Jennings, and her sisters, Vivian Diaz, Billie Oxendine Osteen, and Sylvia Osewalt. She also was preceded in death by her grandson, Walter (Gator) Arthur Jennier, III, and her granddaughter, Anastasia Denise Hawke.

Her funeral service will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Riverview, with a graveside service to follow at Hackney Cemetery on Providence Road in Riverview. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Gwen's name to First Baptist Church of Riverview.