She grew up in the Pleasant Valley/New Adka Community. Her education began at the  Pleasant Valley school, then  advanced to  the  Edward Bell School. From there, she attended Alabama State University where she completed  her Bachelors' degree in Education. She later obtained her Masters degree in Education from Tuskegee Institute.

She taught  school in the Tallapoosa School System for 35 years sharing knowledge  with young  minds  and thus  assisting in  creating  many  successful futures;  from  Laurel High School, Dadeville Elementary, Edward Bell   School and Reeltown High School for the remainder of her  career.

Mrs. Gwen was a member of the Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church, where she became "First Teacher" after finishing college. She was also a faithful member of the choir and missions board. A ready servant, she helped with Vacation Bible School at Pleasant Valley and New Adka for many years.   For the last 11 years, she was the President of the  Women's Auxiliary of the  Ebenezer  District.  She was instrumental  in keeping each component busy growing in the works of the Lord. Before holding this office, she worked in many other facets to help the District.

She was a founding member  of the Essence Social and Saving Club. She served in many capacities as they enhanced the community  with  their  talents  and skills to  enrich young people.  As an active member  of the Order of Eastern Star, Bozeman Pride, Chapter # 809, she served as secretary for many years. After retiring   from the Tallapoosa School System, she began working  with the Retired Teachers Association, Tallapoosa  Democratic Association and the Senior Citizens of the Union and New Adka Communities, which became ·the weekly gathering to catch up and fellowship.

Mrs. Gwen leaves to finish her journey, her husband of 46 years lrby Sands; children Sherry  and Eric Sands; brother  Winfred Fielder; devoted in- laws Ben , Roy, William ( Beulah), John (Menthia) , Wallace (Janet ), Charles Sands and Shirley Sands. Three aunts: Mary Lois Ross, Geneva Fielder , Vera Peavy; and one uncle: Robert Burton;   a host of cousins, nieces, nephews  and friends; devoted family: Anita Vaughn, Iris Canada, Marquenta Sands, and John Sands.

To these achievements and accolades, we remember the woman, sister, wife, mother, leader -beloved she was and forever shall be.

Gwendolyn Fielder Sands was born in Waverly, Alabama to the late Eugene & Christine Fielder

on January 16,1940, She was a long time resident of Dadeville, Alabama where she accomplished

many successes in her career and Christian journey. She was preceded in death by her

brother Eugene 'Sonny' Fielder, Jr: her parents Eugene and Christine Fielder, her in-laws: Wesley

and Odella Sands several aunts and uncles to include Willie Lee Burton, James Peavy,

Hinds ( Vesta )Hutchinson, Ceil (Bertha) Debardelabon; Eddie Fielder , John Fielder, Hilda

(Juvelia) Fielder-Shaw, Ralph Fielder, Curtis Fielder, and Exie Matthews; and three sisters-in law:

Dorothy Sands and Willie Lee Sands.

Mrs. Gwen, known by many, loved and cherished by even more, was married to Irby

Sands for 46 years. They tilled the earth to yield healthy produce. This provided for the family

to which two children, Sherry and Eric, were added to complete this union.