Dr. Gwendolyn B. Means

Gwendolyn Barnes Means (94) wife, mother, sister, aunt, godmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, civic activist and native Washingtonian earned her heavenly wings on November 22, 2024, surrounded by her family and a friend. She was born October 30, 1930, to Milton Barnes, Sr. and Cecilia Jones and was raised in Washington, DC. Gwen was educated in the DC Public schools attending Cook ES, Terrell JHS and Paul Lawrence Dunbar HS, all a part of division 10-13 of the segregated District of Columbia Public Schools. She earned her undergraduate degree in math and science from Miners Teachers College. Gwendolyn married the love of her life, the late Bracy Means, Sr. and together they raised their 5 children (Darah, Patrice, Andrea-deceased, Bracy, Jr. and Wanda) and many others including nieces and nephews in North Michigan Park. Dr. Means served in a variety of leadership roles (lead teacher, dept. chair, instructional supervisor) during her 38-year career in DC Public Schools. She believed in being a lifelong learner, earning her master’s degree from Federal City College and later, her doctorate from VA Tech, specializing in math and science instruction. She retired as the Assistant Director of Mathematics in DCPS. Dr. Means was also an active 44-year member of the American University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, where she served as president, vice president, newsletter editor, delegate on the national level, and research and student symposium committee member. She was a planner, organizer, futurist and an action-oriented citizen. Although she was retired, she continued to teach and remain involved in her community. She served for several years on the US Postal Council. She provided support to young families through the Friends of Washington program, taught line dancing classes at Model Cities Senior Wellness Center, Wildlife Gardens classes at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center and exploring science at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Summer Youth Program. She was an active member, a Diamond Soror, of the Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. for 76 years. Gwen traveled for many years, taking her RV south during the winter and summer months, camping with friends and other DC Rambler families. She also enjoyed traveling by train and playing Scrabble with neighbors and friends. Throughout her life, providing that motherly guidance and support was first and foremost. She stood for excellence without excuses and was known for her kindness, generosity, and can-do mindset. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious. She is survived by her 4 children (Darah Means, Patrice Means-Marlow, Bracy Means, Jr. (Winnie) and Wanda Means-Harris (Bertrand), 2 siblings Duane Barnes, Sherrill Chase (Deryck), 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and numerous godchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. A wake for Dr. Means will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 9:00am, followed by a funeral service at 10:00am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on 12th and Monroe Sts., NE, DC. Graveside services to follow the repast at 2pm @ Gates of Heaven Cemetery,13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20906. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gwendolyn Barnes Means can be made to the Dunbar Alumni Federation, Inc. @ www.daf-dc.org or the Gwendolyn Barnes Means Legacy Fund with the Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation, Inc. @ akaxo.org.

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Dr. Gwendolyn B. Means

October 30, 1930 - November 22, 2024