Serving Families in Their Time of Sorrow

Gwendolyn Tarver (August 13, 1950 – December 27, 2025)

St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1968 Bruton Boulevard, Orlando

Visitation: Friday, January 9, 2026
Visitation Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Visitation Location: St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 Bruton Boulevard
Orlando, Florida

Service Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 Bruton Boulevard
Orlando, Florida

Obituary:

Gwendolyn Tarver affectionately known as Mama T, was a true beacon of love, strength, and generosity.

Born on August 13, 1950, in Orlando, she grew up surrounded by family and community, later attending Jones High School class of 1968. Known for her open heart and helping hand, she became a pilar in her community and a source of comfort for anyone in need.

On December 27th, 2025, Gwendolyn peacefully received her wings, embraced by the love of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The same love she poured into others surrounded her in her final moments.

She was more than a mother, she was a nurturer, a friend and a guiding light. Her strength, kindness, and unwavering generosity touched countless lives. If you needed her, she was there without hesitation, without judgement and always with love.

She instilled in her children the values of family, community, and unconditional love, leaving a legacy that lives on in every life she touched. She is survived by her four beloved children, Sophia Lindsey, Antonio Tarver Sr, Padricia Benjamin Cunningham (Dale), and Katina Valrie along with a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and dear family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Gwendolyn Tarver’s life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience. Though she now rests in heaven, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us always.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 5-7PM at the church. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, 11:00 AM at St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1968 Bruton Boulevard, Orlando. Interment: Washington Park Cemetery, Orlando.

20 Comments

  • Reginald k Jenkins Posted January 3, 2026 5:24 pm

    We come from Murchison Terrace. Front door neighbors. She had my back. Razor Blade.

  • Concha Taylor Posted January 4, 2026 2:53 am

    My condolences to the Tarver family during this difficult time, may God comfort and strengthen them.

  • Elnora Lewis Posted January 4, 2026 4:01 am

    MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU ALL AND GUIDE YOU WITH THE LOVE SHE SHOWED EVERYONE THAT SHE MET.REST ANGEL YOU WILL BE MISSED.

  • Marvice Smith (Atlanta) Posted January 4, 2026 5:43 am

    My condolences to the Tarver family. I know her son world boxing champion Antonio Tarver Sr. very well. Mama T was always the life of the party during fight weekend, and her spirit would light up any room. She will be truly missed here on earth but just know that God knew what he was doing when he called her home for he gained a true Angel. God Bless

  • Angeline Thomas Posted January 4, 2026 6:18 pm

    My dear friend 💗💗💗 ,I will always KEEP you in my memory

  • Streeter Family Posted January 5, 2026 12:32 am

    Rest in paradise cousin,thanks for the laughs, the love and wisdom you shared with us…We love you and you will truly be missed❤️❤️

  • Sakura A. & Emelio Santana Posted January 5, 2026 3:28 am

    We send our deepest condolences to the entire Tarver Family. Many hugs and prayers – may Mrs Gwendolyn rest in heaven.

  • Anson “Grandaddy Souf “Watts Posted January 5, 2026 4:08 am

    I’m definitely going to miss Momma T’s contagious radiant smile and energy! She had such a warm and giving heart.Being a close family friend, I was privy to witness up close the love she had for her children. Momma T was a protector and didn’t play about the best interest of her kids. I will always admire her resilience and strength. I will forever hold onto the great times and memories of her. I Love Ya Momma T! 🙏🏾

  • Orlando Cuellar Posted January 5, 2026 3:17 pm

    Our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Gwendolyn Tarver. May her memory be a blessing, her life celebrated, and her legacy live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Wishing the Tarver family comfort, strength, and peace during this difficult time.🙏

  • Wanda Fountain-Sams Posted January 5, 2026 5:49 pm

    My Condolence to the Family. Mrs. Gwen was always sweet, loving person. She will be truly missed.

  • Hildrea Williams Barringtine Posted January 6, 2026 1:39 am

    My deepest condolences to her children and the rest of the family. I will always remember our days growing up in Murchison Terrace as best friends. She shared the same birthday as my Mother (8/13) who was like a second mother to her and her Grandmother who was like a second Grandmother to me. Rest well my friend you will truly be missed by all who knew and loved you.

  • MaryJane Posted January 6, 2026 5:20 pm

    My deepest condolences to the family. May she rest in paradise.

  • Cynthia Hopson Posted January 6, 2026 8:36 pm

    Sending love and light to your family during this extremely difficult time.

  • Eric Benson Posted January 7, 2026 5:13 pm

    Sending love and my sincerest condolences to you and your family, may God grant you peace, comfort and strength now and always! May God heal your heart, may her memories live forever, and may the peace of God surround your whole family. Your friend in Louisville, KY

  • Terrence Orr Sr Posted January 8, 2026 4:05 pm

    Sending love and my deepest condolences to all of the family I’m truly sorry for your loss for she was great woman. Our families grew up together so I have always considered her as my aunt because my mom and her was like sisters. May she rest in eternal peace…

  • Lekisha Woods Posted January 10, 2026 2:41 am

    My sincere condolences to The Tarver & Benjamin family 🙏🏽 May God continue to give you strength and peace which surpasses all understanding. Miss Gwen was truly a woman filled with alot of love & compassion, you will be missed. I love you Sophia, Mann, Nicole & Katina 🫶🏼

  • Walter Brown Posted January 10, 2026 3:06 am

    May the family be blessed with God’s peace and comfort during this difficult time . RIH IN HEAVEN Gwen 🙏🏽

  • Trey and Diara Dawson Posted January 10, 2026 8:00 am

    Our condolences and sending prayers to the family in this moment of grief. Mama T truly was a beautiful soul.

  • Deoris Sumpter Posted January 10, 2026 1:09 pm

    My most sincere Condolences to the Tarver Family with much Love. Gwen was my sister. We were at Jones High together. When ever I saw her we shared our Love for one another. She will be missed terribly.

  • Michael Tartaro Posted January 10, 2026 6:04 pm

    I had the privilege of talking with her on a few different occasions and was a very wonderful woman. My heart goes out to the champ and his family Antonio Junior sorry buddy I love all you guys. She was a great woman she will be missed.

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