Gwendolyn Fitzhugh

Gwendolyn Iris Rollings-Fitzhugh was born April 1, 1951 in Vicksburg, MS to the late James “Rollo” and Eddie Mary (nee Manadier) Rollings.  She was the first daughter born to this union.  The Rollings family relocated to East Chicago, IN in1952.  Gwendolyn was baptized at an early age at Antioch Baptist Church in New Addition under the pastorate of the late Rev. Moses L. Sykes.  She attended East Chicago Public Schools. She worked at the swimming pool in New Addition, the A&P grocery store, the City of East Chicago, and later retired after 30 years of dedicated service from Midwest Operating Engineers Local #150.  “Dimples” as she was called at work, was the first black female Operator at Plant #7 in East Chicago, IN. Gwendolyn relocated to Chicago, IL and was united in holy matrimony to Huey “Hugo” Fitzhugh on March 31, 1990.  She joined St. Paul CME Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Orange; and was a present member under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Curlee L. Adams until the time of her death. Gwen was known for her infectious smile and generous spirit. The “Soul Food Cooking Diva” loved listening to the blues, but her favorite song was “Forget Me Nots.”  We will always “Cherish” the love.  An avid gardener was “Never Too Busy” not to remember everyone’s birthday and faithfully sent birthday greetings and presents.  We’ve all received one of her “special messages” via phone, even the ones that left you with a “hunch.” Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her parents, James “Rollo” and Eddie Mary (nee Manadier) Rollings, maternal grandmother and grandfather, Katie “affectionately known as Mama Katie” Mary (Louis C. Sr.) Manadier, paternal grandmother and grandfather Hattie Mae Rollings-Sparkman and Royal Rollings, aunts and uncles Florice (Nathaniel “Boe Jack”) Coleman and Mattiel (Vincent) Smith, cousins Burley Phillips, Jeremy Walker, Rosemary Johnson, and Toni Darden. Unbeknownst to the family, we received what would be our last Christmas cards, presents, and special phone calls from Gwen right before her death. Our lives were forever changed when we received the last phone call on December 17, 2020 to say that our beloved Gwen was called home. Gwendolyn leaves to cherish her memories:  loving husband of 30 years, Huey “Hugo” Fitzhugh; beloved cat, Kitty; Godchildren Chauncey Hackett and Kenita Reed, daughter-in-love, Christa Seats; four grandchildren Dominique and Brittany Gordon, Rapheal Simpson, and Jamaal Thomas; four sisters Dr. Arlette (Art) Rollings Miller Smith, Jacquelyn Warner, Carolyn (Raymont) Henderson, and Jocelyn Rollings; two brothers James “Bay Bro” and Timothy Rollings; one uncle Louis C. Manadier lll (ret); one sister-in-law Charlie Grandberry; three brothers-in-law James “JT” (Diane) Fitzhugh, Dewey (Kathrine) Fitzhugh, and Melvin Fitzhugh; fifteen nieces Traceen, Stacey, Tamisha, Terika, Chrystle, Cydney, Serena “Bree”, Jerlyn, Arlecia, Benita, Constance, Debra, Shirley, Margie, and Erica; thirteen nephews Tarik, Christopher, James, Shemar, Zedrick, Ross Jr., Keith, Mark, Michael, Terry, Jerry, David, and Nicholas; special cousins Janice (Gregory), Shelia, Naomi, Pamela (Gregory), Jakarda, a host of great nieces and nephews, other cousins from the Manadier and Rollings family, and special friends.

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