Marshall Dillard Gwin

Marshall Dillard Gwin

Deacon Marshall Dillard Gwin, age 82, a native of the Allen community and resident of Grove Hill, was the youngest child born to the parentage of the late Charlie Gwin Sr. and Hallie Ruby Brackett Gwin June 11, 1938. He transitioned from this life Friday, May 21, 2021 at his home.

Marshall accepted Christ at a very young age and was a faithful member of the St. Peter Baptist Church in Allen. He graduated from Wilson Hall High School in the Clarke County School System in 1956, and attended college at Alabama State University in Montgomery.

He united in Holy Matrimony to Mattie Coats in 1971 and to this union three children were born.

At St. Peter Baptist Church, he was ordained as a deacon in 1994 and served for several years as the church secretary, a few years as chairman of the Deacon Board, and many years as Sunday School superintendent and teacher until his health failed. For a short time, he served and worked at Good Hope Baptist Church in Salitpa in the capacity of deacon and Sunday School teacher before returning to St. Peter. He has also served as treasurer and teacher for the First District and the Bethel Baptist Association for numerous years.

From 1956 through 2012, Deacon Gwin was a member as well as Worshipful Master for a few years, of Saint Peter Lodge No. 629 and Worthy Patron of Good Success Chapter No. 403 Order of the Eastern Star in Allen. He was a prior member of Enoch Consistory No. 222 in Camden, Knight of Temple of St. Peter Commadory No. 25, and Royal Arch Wilson, Tate No. 104, both in Allen, and a Shriner.

Until his health failed, Deacon Gwin was an active member and the Past Master of Keep Time Lodge No. 270 in Whatley and Past Patron of Russell Success Chapter No. 674 O.E.S. Whatley.

He was employed at Boise Cascade in Jackson for 35 years before retiring. While employed with Boise, he formed many friendships with coworkers and remained in close relationship with them until his health failed.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Charles Gwin Jr., Alex Brackett and Tossie Gwin.

Marshall is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Mattie Coats Gwin of Grove Hill; two daughters, Dawn McNeil of Waldorf, Md., and Marsha Gwin of Helena; two sons, Geoffrey (Tiffany) Gwin of Calera and Marcus Gwin of Columbus, Ga.; four grandchildren, Brittney Woods and Heather Hayes, both of Bayou La Batre, Mia Gwin of Calera and Caleb Gwin of Helena; four great-grandchildren, Khalil, Lay’Lani, Lynese and Michael, all of Bayou La Batre; one sister, Etta Ree Pendelton of Powder Springs, Ga.; one brother-in-law, Roy (Ivory) Coats of Moss Point, Miss.; four sisters-in-law, Ethel Joseph of Las Vegas, Nev., Elder Lucile Henry, Delores Witherspoon and Lucille Coats, all of Coffeeville; with a host of nieces nephews, other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be Thursday, May 27, from 2 until 6 p.m., at Jackson Memorial Funeral Home, 203 East Ross St., Jackson. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 28, 11 a.m., at St Peter Baptist Church Cemetery, 3887 Simmons Creek Road, Grove Hill. The Rev. Matthew Davis, pastor, will be officiant.  

Final life celebration has been entrusted to Jackson Memorial Funeral Home. Condolences for this family may be left at www.jacksonmemorialfh.com.

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