Darnita Otencia Alexander Gillenwater

October 19, 1947 - December 9, 2022

She was born on October 19, 1947, in Austin Texas to her loving parents, Conley and Petrinella (Durst) Alexander. Her father came to SF, CA with his sister/ brother-in-law, to seek a better life for their family.

She was blessed when her little brother was born, Conley Alexander Jr in 1951.

She later joined the Voices of Victory, Local #4 Gospel Choir group in the SF Bay Area.

She attended Guadalupe/ Jedediah Smith/Pelton Junior High School in SF, CA. Graduated from Mission High School in 65 and from SF CC / GG College w/ a degree in Accounting; she then medically retired in 2012 as a Telecom Account Analyst.

She was a Diehard 49er Fan & Bleed Red/Gold. Also, a SF Giants /GS Warriors fan. She left this world wearing her Red/Gold proudly as requested.

While working at PG&E in ‘70 where she met her beloved husband, Mr. Louis Gillenwater, one of the first Black Electrical Engineers in the Bay Area. They were later married on February 25, 1972 and remained married till she passed away.

She also was a teacher aide during the early 80’s at Robertson Jr. High in DC.

Her biggest reward as a mother was to walk her beautiful daughter down the aisle for her wedding in 2012 (without her cane).

GOD called her home to Glory on the beautiful day of December 9th, 2022 with her loving baby girl & son by her side as she rested peacefully.

She joins her parents: Mr. Conley/Petrinella Alexander Sr.; brother, Conley (Butch) Alexander Jr. and her late husband (love of her life) Louis Gillenwater.

She leaves behind to celebrate her life, her beloved children: daughter, Kwamalita (Carlos) Simon; Dr. Michele (Dr.Todd) Turner; son, Vance (Raeanne) Gillenwater; grandsons: Greyson (Lola)/Colin (Daniela) Turner, Charlie/Jonah / Dash Gillenwater; great granddaughters: Gianna/ Penelope Turner; grand Kitty: Mystic Simon; brotherin-law, Johnny Gillenwater; nieces: Alexis (Brandon) Wyatt Sr and Denise (Ted) Evans.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Friday, January 20th at 1pm at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City. Committal to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.