Gwendolyn Goad Rawlings

Gwendolyn Goad Rawlings of Babson Park passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Savannah Court.

She was born June 22, 1931 in Alvarado, TX to the late Chester and Johnnie Goad. She moved to Lake Wales from Germany in 1957 with her husband Frederick P. Rawlings, Jr. as he set up his new medical practice following three years of service overseas in the U.S Army. Although educated with a nursing degree she spent most of her life taking care of her family and friends. She was a member of the Babson Park Community Church for twenty years and was an active member at the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales the last five years. Many remember her as a member of the Lake Wales Christian Woman’s Club where she watched and cared for toddlers of other members during meetings. She loved children, animals (except for squirrels that ate her vegetable and fruit crops) and cooking. She had a long time ministry of delivering home made banana bread to home bound friends. In her latter years she was a devoted care giver to Frederick and especially looked forward to cooking waffles for grandchildren and friends of the family who came to visit every Saturday morning.

Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick P. Rawlings, Jr.

Survivors include her daughters, Martha Kelsey of Clarksville, TN, Lori Rawlings Schotman of Sarasota and Kathy Myers (Brian) of Jupiter Farms; sons, Fred P. Rawlings, III (Martha) of Lexington, KY and Fox Rawlings (Elaine) of Babson Park; brothers, Kenneth Goad of Leander, TX and Howard “Butch” Goad of Austin, TX; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held Thursday, November 21, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales at 11:00 am with Rev. Chad Reynolds officiating.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to the Lake Wales Care Center.