Gwendolyn Ricks departed this earth peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 93. She was affectionally known as Gwen. Throughout her long fulfilling life, she touched hearts with resilience and unwavering love for her family. Gwen had a deep connection for the simple joys of life. As a devoted mother, she cherished her role in raising her children Donna and Kerby.
Gwen worked as a Physical Therapy attendant at Monmouth Medical Center where she retired after 20 years. She loved to read novels, New York Times newspaper, and thoroughly enjoyed watching gangster movies like The Godfather (all parts) and cooking shows. Loved a “good heavy pot” and a “good sharp knife.” Listening to recordings of Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, and Latin jazz was a favorite pass-time. She was also very creative with her fashion style.
She was predeceased by her father, Howard Williams, her mother Vanessa Williams, grandmother Willie Vernel Gray, her brother Howard Williams, II, and husband Nathan Ricks, Jr.,
She is survived by her daughter, Donna (Gus); son, Kerby (Patricia); grandchildren, Darrell Booker (Ernestine), Kayla Owens (Kevin), LeKisha Muhammad (John) and Tiesha Hill; great grandmother to Aniyah Booker, Madison Booker, Okami Owens, Nikai Hill, Jahdaya Gonzalas, Najah Muhammad, Zaynah Muhammad (Jalil) Aminah Muhammad, and Basir Muhammad; great-great grandmother to Qiyyama Muhammad, and her favorite nephew, Robert Parker, and many cousins.
She will truly be missed.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Ms. Gwen Ricks. Having positive influences in my childhood is one of many reasons to praise God. My heart goes out to Kerby and Donna and I wish them love and comfort. Kerby was one of my closest friends growing up in Grant Court. I was one of many who had profound respect for the great mothers who looked after us and kept us on the right path. Ms. Gwen was among the best. She would veto any of our stupid plans we had that she didn’t agree with. She showed us love, sometimes tough love when necessary and understood our environment much more than we did. She simply wanted the very best for her children and all of us. I love Ms. Gwen and will never forget the wisdom that she showed me.
Brothers Minster Kevin Elmore