Gwendolyn Carol (Gullick) Martinez

Gwendolyn Carol (Gullick) Martinez was born Oct. 20, 1964, to Flora James Gullick and Roy Gullick of Poteau. She passed away Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Fort Smith, Ark., at the age of 57.

Everyone knew her as Gwen or “Gwen Hopper” which is what her sister Monie jokingly called her. Gwen didn’t much care for said nickname but “Gwen Hopper” stuck. Gwen was a bit of a handful to say the least and a woman not afraid of speaking her mind. If you ever didn’t want to hear the truth, however harsh it may be, you probably shouldn’t ask Gwen. With feelings aside, she would tell it to you. She was not being mean or rude, just straight forward honesty from the heart.

To her children, Gwen was strong and fearless. Gwen was a hard-working woman and strongly believed in working for what you needed in life. She didn’t believe in handouts if you were able and capable.

She was a stubborn woman in every since of the word. If Gwen made up her mind, she could not and would not be swayed.

She also knew when to have fun and just how many ways she could. She could cut up with the best of them. Her laugh was contagious. She was a nurturing, loving mother, realizing her children were each different and parented accordingly. Gwen did her very best to raise her kids with the values her parents used and then some. “Family is No. 1. It’s always first. Everything else comes after,” she would say. She always told her kids, “Never go to bed mad at one another, and always say ‘I love you’ because you never know when you won’t have that opportunity.”

Later in life, she discovered just how much she enjoyed being a grandmother. Her grandbabies were her reason for breathing — her words. Gwen struggled for many years with her health. She was definitely a fighter. A person can only fight as long as their body will allow. Gwen has found her peace.

Gwen is survived by her daughter Reina and spouse Jericho of Red Oak, boys Juan Andres of Poteau, Francisco of Poteau and Michael “her angel” of the home, siblings Christene Martinez of Poteau, Katherine Gullick of Shady Point, Roy Gullick III of Poteau and Royce Gullick of Poteau, seven grandchildren Francisco, Enrique, Amara, Isabella, Emily, Asa and Cruz, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by brother Gene Gullick, sister Ramona “Monie” Warren, parents Flora James and Roy Gullick and grandchildren Macaden Dewitt and Mariana Dewitt.

A memorial party took place Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at her sister’s residence.

Cremation is under the direction of Grace Funeral Service in Poteau.

To sign Gwen’s online guest book please visit www.gracemanorfh. com.