Gwen Jenelle Minshew

9/25/1951 – 2/28/2021 Gwen Jenelle Minshew, parents A.P. Minshew and Jenelle C. Minshew (Chastain), born in Cedartown, GA; lived in Rockmart, GA. Moved to Ft. Myers, FL and lived there through high school. Attended Carson-Newman College for her undergraduate degree in Education and The University of Tennessee earning a Masters of Education. She began her 40 year teaching career in 1972 as the very first special education teacher in Jefferson County Schools. Moved to Knoxville in 1984 and continued teaching in special education until retirement in 2012. During retirement, she enjoyed playing golf in the Three Ridges Women’s League, playing often with a great group of gals. She also played the flute in the O’Connor Senior Center Band. Gwen is survived by her sister, Judith A. Minshew and her 2 devoted children, Karla G. Helton and Michael A. Helton (wife Chelsy) and granddaughter Collins L. Helton. She is also survived by her cousin Deana Floyd of Albany, Georgia. Gwen devoted her life to teaching children and her family especially her children and granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The O’Connor Center Band, 611 Winona Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. The family will hold an informal receiving of friends on Thursday, March 4 from 5pm-8pm at Mynatt Funeral Home at 2829 Rennoc Rd in Fountain City. Burial and graveside service to follow at a later date in Thomasville, GA. Online condolences can be made at www.mynattfh.com. Friends/family are encouraged to share stories in the guestbook online.