Gwendolyn Cullum

Gwendolyn Alfreda Harper Cullum, affectionately known as “Gwen,” was born on September 7, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Alfred and Mozelle Harper. She peacefully departed this life on October 20, 2025, surrounded by love.

Gwen attended Detroit Public Schools and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University, and a diploma from the Lay Ministers Bible School at Word of Faith Christian Center - Southfield. Gwen was married to Leo Cullum, who preceded her in death. They raised four children: Simone, Wanda, Patrick, and Erikka. Gwen also lovingly embraced her stepchildren, Jacqueline (“Jacky”) and the late Leo, Jr.

Professionally, Gwen built an impressive career in international banking with the National Bank of Detroit, now JPMorgan Chase. Through dedication and excellence, she rose to the position of Second Vice President at NBD, and retired after over two decades of service.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Gwen accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in 1992 and was a long-time member of the Word of Faith family of churches. Her church life extended across multiple campuses: Southfield, MI Philadelphia, PA, Red Rock and Dallas, TX.

She found great joy in working with the New Members Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry, and leading KBM prayer calls, where she uplifted countless hearts through intercession and encouragement.

In her later years, Gwen poured her compassion into the Foster Grandparent Program in both Detroit and the Dallas–Fort Worth area. As a reading tutor in the Readers to Leaders initiative, and a foster grandmother to many school-aged children, she helped shape young minds with patience, love and a lot of snacks and toys. Her dedication was recognized at both the local and state levels for outstanding volunteer service.

Gwen’s faith was her anchor and light. She loved praying, reading the Bible, and enjoying reruns of her favorite television shows. Her smile, beauty, and unwavering faith in God left an impression on everyone who met her. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Simone, Wanda, Patrick, and Erikka; stepdaughter Jacqueline (“Jacky”); and the memory of her stepson, Leo Jr. She is also survived by her grandchildren Aaron, Michael, Sianna, Darius (Aisha), Angel, Donovan (Jazmin), Carissa, McKenzie, and Jamison; great-grandchildren Madeleine, Bailee, Taylor, Savannah, Abigal, Abraham, Kobe, Prosperity and Prophet; two sisters, Joyce and Shirley; nephews and nieces: Sheldon, Lisa, Michael, Chico, Nicole, Chad, Shakala, Bruce, and Malaka, as well as a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her NBD, WOFCC, and Readers to Leaders families. She was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Lewis (Thelma) and Bruce.

Gwen was beautiful and warm; a living example of love and faith in God. Although we would rather have her here with us, we take comfort knowing she is with the Lord, whole, radiant, and rejoicing in her glorified body. May her life continue to shine through those who love her, and may we keep her memory alive in our hearts.

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