Gwendolyn Panter “Gwen”

Guyton (GA) Mrs. Gwendolyn Jane Alverson Panter “Gwen”, age 65, transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior on April 2, 2025, peacefully in her home with her loving family. Gwen was born on November 25, 1959, in Elberton, Georgia.

She was raised in Lexington, South Carolina and graduated from Lexington High School in 1977. Early in life, she made the decision she desired a family of her own. Gwen had her first child, a daughter, Tasha Kathryn Williams-Panter in 1981 and a second child, a son, Michael Thomas Christopher Williams in 1988. In 1990 she made the decision to move herself and her children to Savannah, Georgia to make a life for herself on her own. Moving to Savannah, Georgia, Gwen entered the field of tourism employed as the Director of Tourism (Visitor Centers) for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. She began her career in tourism, operating and managing the original Visitor Center located in downtown Savannah. As a female in the tourism industry, Gwen commanded respect and treated others the exact way she was treated, kindly. She succeeded in her position, launching three additional Visitor Centers; the first location on Tybee Island, Georgia, the second location in Downtown Savannah, Georgia on River Street, and the third location at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport located in Pooler, Georgia.

Gwendolyn earned many accolades throughout her career in tourism, made many life-long friends, and enjoyed being a woman in a managerial role.

In the 90’s in her free time, Gwen enjoyed country line dancing and was an esteemed member of the “Kix Kickers.” She gained many followers and made many life-long relationships to include meeting the love of her life, Charles F. Panter. Gwen and Charles were married on May 15, 1998.

Gwendolyn was a dedicated wife, of 27 years, who loved her husband tremendously, her true “soul mate.” Together they enjoyed country line dancing, music, traveling, and quiet talks on the back porch of the home they built together. She loved everything about her husband from the way he kissed her forehead, to lifting her up into his big truck, and never leaving her wondering about his love for her. She verbalized her thankfulness to him daily for loving her, putting her first before himself, providing a wonderful life together, loving her children, and always “putting up with her feistiness.”

Gwendolyn was devoted to her family and to her fur child “Bella Rose.” She was loving, caring, and giving to her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. Family meant everything to Gwendolyn and she most appreciated making new memories together sitting in her favorite rocking chair, on her screened-in back porch, while enjoying a homecooked meal (made by her husband) accompanied by a Coca-Cola. When she was not spending time with her family, she enjoyed watching PsyFy, Horror Films, and 80s dance films while crocheting blankets.

Gwendolyn loved all holidays with Christmas and birthdays being her favorite. She was meticulous in creating joy for those that she loved. She found joy in decorating her home effortlessly for the Christmas season. Gwendolyn had a “knack” for choosing and customizing the perfect gift. She most enjoyed watching the ones she loved open the gifts she had thoughtfully created or purchased for them. Gwendolyn will always be remembered for her generosity and devotion to others.

Gwendolyn was most dedicated to her children, Tasha and Thomas. She was profoundly proud of the woman she created, her only daughter, Tasha. At a young age, she demonstrated the importance of Tasha becoming a strong, independent woman, which she did. With Gwendolyn’s love, guidance, and support Tasha built a life to not only support herself, but others when necessary. She was impressed by her daughter’s educational pursuits and becoming a Psychotherapist. When Tasha chose to purchase a home in Effingham, Georgia (in 2021) to be closer to her, Gwendolyn assisted with searching for the perfect home and decorating. She found solace knowing her daughter was close in proximity. Gwendolyn and Tasha developed a close relationship, not only as mother and daughter but as best friends, shopping, and travel partners. Ultimately, Tasha became one of her ongoing caregivers and expressed her gratitude often. She was most thankful to have a daughter who loved her unconditionally and unapologetically, displaying her love through daily phone calls, text messages, and randomly sending flowers to brighten her day..

Gwendolyn was extremely proud of the man she created, her son, Thomas. Gwendolyn frequently boasted about Thomas’ detailed approach to carpentry and his knowledge of mathematics. She was exceptionally proud of his talent and intelligence. Often, Gwendolyn and Thomas would spend time together watching horror films and reminiscing on their favorite scenes. She was most thankful for the father Thomas became providing her with three beautiful grandchildren: Aliciana “Alley”, Grayson, and Marshall. Gwendolyn never missed an opportunity, daily, to express her love to Thomas and always cherished the time they spent together.

Gwendolyn fell in love with her granddaughter, Alley, the moment she was born. She had the pleasure of being in the delivery room and was able to experience the joy of a new life. Gwendolyn cherished her granddaughter and loved her beyond measure. She enjoyed spending time with Alley by making late-night “runs” to the convenience store to purchase candy, sitting at the kitchen table chatting, “just going to look” at stores to end up shopping, and watching movies together.

Gwendolyn was a strong, miraculous woman of God. One of her greatest accomplishments was her dedication and perseverance in her Journey of Recovery from Alcoholism. At the time of her death, Gwendolyn was nearing five years of complete sobriety. Yearly, on her anniversary date, her family came together and celebrated her recovery with her. Daily, Gwendolyn verbalized her gratitude for creating a life she never knew was possible. She experienced a reawakening, developing a deep love for Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and ultimately found her “church” family at Emmanuel Community Church (ECC). In 2023, Gwendolyn made a personal choice to be born again and was baptized with her husband and family by her side. Upon being baptized, she built a stronger relationship with her husband, Charles. Because of his love for his beautiful wife, Charles chose to join Gwendolyn for service at ECC regularly. Ultimately, he found Jesus as his Lord and Savior, developed his relationship with Gwendolyn’s church family (becoming a member), and was baptized in 2023 with his wife and family by his side. Until her untimely departure, Gwendolyn and Charles built their entire marriage on God, his direction, and his love.

As Gwendolyn transitioned to meet her Lord and Savior, she rejoiced in her love for HIM. She prayed for those that she loved, her church family, and for those that she did not know, but was certain were in need, daily. Gwendolyn was a “Woman of God.” She provided copious amounts of love, affection, and tenderness to those around her. Gwendolyn greeted everyone she encountered with a hug and a contagious smile. She ended all conversations with her family with “I love you.”

Gwendolyn is preceded in death by her Parents; Ben Earl Alverson Sr. and RubyKathryn; her Grandparents Brodus Eugene Alverson and Fannie Marylee (Grizzell); her Aunt Elsie Williams; and Uncle Johnny Grizzell. She is survived by her loving and
dedicated Husband of 27 years Charles F. Panter; Daughter Tasha Kathryn Williams- Panter “Reddy”; Son Michael “Thomas” Christopher Williams (Amber); Son CJ Daniels (Victoria), Sister Tina Alverson Corley (Chris); Brother Ben Earl Alverson, Jr. (Angie); Bonus Sisters Polly Stafford and Ann Lingenfelser; Granddaughter Aliciana “Alley” Kaydence Peyton; Grandsons Hunter Daniels, Grayson Nesmith-Williams and Marshall Nesmith-Williams; Niece Jessi Nichols (Braden); Nephew Austin A. Alverson; and Great-Nephew Eli Nichols.

The family will have a Celebration of Life April 12, 2025 at 2:00pm at Emmanuel Community Church 4014 Blue Jay Road Guyton, Georgia 31312. We kindly request that guests wear the color, Pink, to commemorate Gwendolyn.

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