Gwen Wilkerson, the wife of the late David Wilkerson, passed away on July 5, 2012, at the age of 81. She was a woman of faith and courage, who had battled cancer several times in her life. Her death came a year after her husband, who was the founder of Times Square Church in New York and the author of the best-selling book The Cross and the Switchblade, died in a car crash in Texas. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Gwen Wilkerson, and the cause of her death.
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A Life of Ministry and Miracles
Gwen Wilkerson was born on June 18, 1931, in Youngstown, Ohio. She married David Wilkerson on June 14, 1952, when they were both 21 years old. They had four children: Debbie, Bonnie, Greg, and Gary. Gwen supported her husband’s ministry as he followed God’s call to reach out to drug addicts and gang members in New York City in the late 1950s. Together, they founded Teen Challenge, a Christian recovery program that has helped millions of people around the world overcome addiction and find new life in Christ.
Gwen also witnessed many miracles in her life. She was healed from cancer three times by the power of God. She shared her testimony in her book Abiding in His Strength, where she encouraged others to trust God in the midst of trials and suffering. She also experienced God’s protection and provision as she traveled with her husband to many countries to preach the gospel and minister to the poor and oppressed.
A Year of Loss and Longing
On April 27, 2011, Gwen and David were driving on a rural highway in East Texas when their car collided head-on with a tractor-trailer. David died instantly, while Gwen survived with a broken hip and other injuries. She was taken to a hospital in Tyler, Texas, where she underwent surgery and recovery. She later moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she lived with her son Gary and his family.
According to her family, Gwen longed to be with Christ and her husband ever since David passed away. She missed him dearly and prayed for him daily. She also prayed for their ministry partners and supporters around the world. She considered it a great privilege to be part of World Challenge Inc., the ministry that David founded in 1971 to provide spiritual and humanitarian aid to people in need.
A Peaceful Departure and a Glorious Reward
On July 5, 2012, Gwen Wilkerson went to be with Christ with great peace and anticipation. Her family stated that she had an amazing resolve and unshakable faith throughout her life. They also expressed their gratitude to their World Challenge partners for their prayers and support.
The cause of Gwen’s death was not immediately known. However, it is possible that she succumbed to cancer, which she had fought several times before. According to Christian News Network, the statement released by her family cited that she had struggled with cancer on numerous occasions throughout her life.
Gwen Wilkerson was remembered for her love for God, her devotion to her husband, and her compassion for people. She left behind a legacy of faith and courage that inspired many. She also received a glorious reward from her Savior, whom she served faithfully until the end.
