Gwendolyn Mayes Riddick

Gwendolyn Mayes Riddick, lovingly known as Aunt Gwen, was a woman who lived with authenticity, boldness, and unwavering faith. She never put on “face”—she spoke truthfully, lived honestly, and remained fully herself in every season of life. With a courageous spirit and a genuine heart, she connected with people from all walks of life, freely sharing the Gospel and the love of God with everyone she encountered. Even in her final days, she continued to pray with and for others, reflecting a life fully devoted to her faith.

She leaves behind a deep and lasting impact on her family. As one loved one shared, “My beautiful, precious sister—my very best friend—left this world to be with our most precious Lord and Savior. A piece of my heart left with her.” She passed peacefully, surrounded by family.

Though she never had children of her own, Gwendolyn’s life tells a greater story—she became a mother in every way that truly matters. Through her love, prayers, guidance, and presence, she nurtured and covered countless lives. She cherished her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews as her own, embraced those who married into the family with open arms, and served as a spiritual mother to many—faithfully pouring into others and pointing them toward God.

Gwendolyn dedicated much of her life to serving others. Through her work in social services, she made a lasting impact on many lives—so much so that one child she helped was inspired to pursue a career in social work. After retiring from that field, she continued her calling through caretaking, compassionately serving the elderly and disabled. She treated each person in her care like family, offering not only support but genuine love.

Her passion for sharing her faith extended far beyond her immediate circle. Through her F.R.O.G. ministry—“Fully Relying On God”—she witnessed to thousands of people, often through simple but meaningful gestures like frog bracelets and cards that carried a powerful message of trust in God.

Gwendolyn held God’s Word close to her heart. Her favorite scriptures—Psalm 23, Ephesians 6:10–20, and Isaiah 54:5—were not only memorized but lived out daily. She often prayed these over her family, guiding and nurturing them in faith.

She also found great joy in the simple blessings of life, including time spent with her beloved Yorkie, Eli. In a tender and meaningful moment, Eli was by her side, cuddled close, as she took her final breaths.

We take comfort in knowing that Gwendolyn is now with the Lord she loved so deeply. Her legacy of faith, love, boldness, and service will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Gwendolyn is survived by her sisters; Linda Stauffer and husband Scott, Cynthia Triche and husband Warren and Vicky Guidry and husband Nick and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Howard Riddick, her parents, Bonton Mayes and Rita Mayes Bourque and brother Ralph Mayes.

A funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 5:00pm at the First Baptist Church in Youngsville, La. Pastor Chris Fusilier will officiate the service. Pallbearers will Brian Reaux, Joshua J. Guidry, Evan Guidry. Mason Guidry and Bobby Jackson.

The family extends a Heartfelt Thanks to Southern Grace Hospice, RN Lara, RN Lindsey, RN Hannah, RN Gina, RN Madeline, Allegra CNA Caroline, Social Worker Ken, and Chaplain Latrell. Special Thanks to Shantel Reaux her niece, who opened her home to her Aunt Gwen for her final days with hospice care and her unwavering care.