Tampa City Council Member Gwen Henderson dies
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Trump to join DC police and National Guard on patrol

President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that he will accompany National Guard…

Governor Gavin Newsom Holds Decision-Making Power Over Menendez Brothers’ Release

A California parole board is set to consider this week if Erik…

Blind Man Reunites with His Stolen Support Dog After Tireless Search

CHICAGO (WGN) After more than two months of searching, a legally blind…

Savannah Welcomes New Goodwill Boutique Opening

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — A new upscale thrift store will open in…

Meta Partners with Aiken Chamber of Commerce to Launch New Innovation Corridor

AIKEN, S.C. () – At the recent ‘State of Our Community’ gathering,…

Will the Menendez Brothers Gain Freedom? Decision Due This Week

Family members of Erik and Lyle Menendez expressed they are “cautiously optimistic”…

Prosecutor in Susan Smith Case: California Baby’s Disappearance Suspected as Foul Play

Tommy Pope, the prosecutor in the 1994 Susan Smith case, asserts that…

Sailor at Naval Base San Diego Found Guilty of Sharing Secrets with China

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A U.S. Navy sailor stationed at Naval Base…

Vance Promotes Republican Tax Proposal During Georgia Visit

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. () Vice President JD Vance visited Peachtree City, Georgia,…

Political games turn perilous for Julie Delpy and Suranne Jones in ‘Hostage’

LONDON – Only a few people know what it’s like to stand…

Is Bielema considering arranging an international game for Illinois?

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – College football has began the tradition of kicking…

Meth and 76 Pills Confiscated During Welfare Check by BVPD

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — Various drugs, including meth and pills, were seized…