Gwendolyn Gaddis Land

Gwendolyn Gaddis Land, born August 26,1932, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 8, 2026. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose life reflected deep faith and a heart full of love for her family and others. A strong Christian woman with a great love for Jesus, Gwen lived a wholesome and godly life. She was a lifelong and faithful member of Arbor Hill Baptist Church, where she cherished worship, fellowship, and the many dear friendships she built through the years. In her early years, Gwen worked as a seamstress while raising her family, showing both dedication and strength for those closest to her. Her greatest joy was always her family. She loved them deeply and unconditionally and took great pride in watching their lives unfold. She especially enjoyed cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren at their many sporting events and performances. She loved simple moments spent together going out to eat with family and friends, watching her favorite team, the Atlanta Braves, sitting by the pool watching her great-grandchildren swim, eating homemade ice cream, and happily giving rides to everyone in her beloved golf cart. These moments of laughter, love, and togetherness meant everything to her. Gwen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and J.C. Burgess; her son and daughter-in-law, David and Becky Gaddis; and her beloved grandchildren, Jessica Sams, Nathan (Keri) Burgess, Emily (Roddy) Dobson, and Charlie (Devan) Gaddis. She was a proud and loving great-grandmother to Jake, Jada, and Josi Sams; Hallie and Boden Burgess; Ryder and Everley Dobson; and Abram, Raegan, and Grayson Gaddis. She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Hoyt Gaddis, and second husband John Land; her parents, Theodore Roosevelt and Lily Bates; her great-grandson, Jackson Sams; and her siblings, Frank and Wayne Bates, and Louise Wheeler. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Arbor Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Joey Watson, Rev. Casey Martin, and Rev. Donnie Cantrell officiating. Interment will follow at Arbor Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Monday, March 9th, and from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM on Tuesday, March 10th, at Darby Funeral Home. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and love to Judy Holcombe and Rachel Watkins, whose unwavering care, kindness, and compassion brought comfort, friendship, and immense happiness to their mother. Their love and support were truly a blessing to her and the entire family. Gwen leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion that will live on through her family for generations to come. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace and comfort in knowing she is rejoicing in a glorious reunion with her Heavenly Father and the loved ones she cherished and longed to see again. The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Gwendolyn Gaddis Land.

Tributes

Gwendolyn Gaddis Land

August 26, 1932 - March 8, 2026