TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Dozens gathered in Tampa Monday to honor late City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson.
She died unexpectedly last week at the age of 60.
Leslie Allen is Henderson’s nephew.
“That’s my aunt,” Allen said. “I’ve known her for 41 years.”
He said Henderson made a profound impact, for not only the City of Tampa, but for his family behind closed doors.
“Pillar of the community, pillar of the family,” he explained. “She’s going to make sure that any task she has, she’s going to complete.”
But in the public eye, Allen said, she wasn’t any different.
“I got here early, and the parking lots were already overflowing,” Tampa City Councilman Guido Maniscalco said at Monday’s wake.
Maniscalco said Henderson came prepared from the start.
“From day one, she was a powerhouse,” he said. “Fearless.”
“I don’t think she was scared of anybody,” he continued. “She knew how to fight back and fight for what she wanted.”
But if there’s one thing people spoke on the most, it was Henderson’s heart.
“She was a woman who always acted with genuine sincerity,” stated Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera. “There are politicians who truly resonate with people and genuinely engage in the political arena.”
“She wasn’t part of the game,” he continued. “Her game was just her heart.”
From friends to peers to people in the community, it was clear during Henderson’s wake Monday night, her impact was great.
“She motivated young individuals to pursue their aspirations. Throughout my personal journey, she has served as my muse,” expressed Sherri Brown, Vice President of Multicultural Sales and Development at Visit Tampa Bay. “I aspire to emulate Gwen’s example and contribute to our community.”
Henderson’s funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, 2101 N. Lowe Street, Tampa, Florida 33605.
Click here to watch the livestream.
