TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson will be laid to rest Tuesday, following funeral services at 11 a.m.

Henderson unexpectedly passed away last Monday and since then has been honored at Tampa City Hall as well as the business she owned, Black English Bookstore.

What You Need To Know

  • Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson will be laid to rest Tuesday

  • Henderson died last week at the age of 60

  • Family and friends gathered for a service Monday at Black English Bookstore to remember Henderson’s life

Henderson was born and raised in Tampa’s Carver City neighborhood.

She was a longtime educator that fought for students not only in local schools, but also as a Tampa city councilwoman.

Family and friends gathered for a service on Monday at Black English Bookstore to remember Henderson’s life and keep her legacy alive.

Henderson’s first-cousin Jourdain Henderson said Gwen was someone you couldn’t ignore.

“Gwen was a force in our family,” said Henderson. “In her work as an educator. As a community servant. She was a force. Even without her opening her mouth you felt her presence. You felt her commitment. She never wavered, so you never had to question where her loyalty or her commitment lies.”

Funeral services will be held at the Allen Temple AME Church, with burial following at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery.

A repast will be held following burial at the Tampa River Center on Tuesday afternoon.