Gwendolyn Fuller

If anybody ask who I am, tell him I'm a child of God."The words of this song reflect much of the soul and character of Sister Fuller; quick to smile, but sometimes difficult for others to know; keenly observant of the behavior of people, but respectfully distant; willing to listen to others, but reluctant to judge; generous, but discriminating in giving. The "Golden Rule" (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you) was a guiding light for Sister Fuller. From this developed her sensitivity to the feelings of others and compassion towards those who could not help themselves. This evidenced itself in her readiness to assist and train those who were attempting to succeed in honest endeavors. Personal integrity and dedication to her responsibilities were her distinguishing characteristics. Born in the small town of Decatur, Alabama, the only child of the late Sister Francis Hickman and Samuel Sheffey, there were few reasons to predict that this tiny, premature infant would survive and thrive. But because of God's plans for her, she defied all negative prognostications. There would be much for her to do, despite a lifetime of fragile health. God provided her with the attributes she needed to fulfill the mission He had designed for her. Sister Fuller loved her Lord and Savior and strived, to the best of her ability, to do that which would be pleasing in the sight of God. While a child, Sister Fuller joined Union Hill Baptist Church under the pastorate of her uncle, THE Reverend Robert L Fuller, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He baptized her in the Tennessee River. A few years later, Sister Fuller moved with her mother to Cleveland, Ohio and join Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, where Reverend Fuller was the pastor. She was active in the Usher Board and served as the Church's organist during the interim period between Sunday school and the 11:00 a.m. service. Sister Fuller was a faithful member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church for 72 years. Studious and an enthusiastic reader with a wide range of academic interest, Sister Fuller graduated from John Hay High School and from Flora Stone Mather College of Western Reserve University (Case Western) with a Master's Degree and was one of very few black women to attend during that time. Her long professional career was in the fields of housing and community and economic development. She worked by the motto, "Anything worth doing at all is worth doing well." At all times, her goal was to achieve a high level of professional performance. Assisting others in their professional development was a source of great fulfillment for Sister Fuller. She retired from the City of Cleveland's Department of Community Development in 1998. During the last 11 years of her professional career, Sister Fuller was also active in caregiving -- caring for her mother, Sister Francis Hickman; her son, Brother Robert William Goodlow; and her two uncles, Brother Frank Fuller and THE Reverend Dr. Robert L. Fuller, until their demise. For many years, Sister Fuller was a member and supporter of many charitable, educational, and religious organizations which included, but were not limited to, Meharry Medical College, American Indian College Fund, National Urban League, Southern Poverty Law Center, United Negro College Fund, and Missionaries of Africa. In His infinite love and wisdom, our Lord and Savior called Sister Fuller home on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 10:15 p.m. at the age of 87 (the same age as her mother when she died). Sister Fuller had served His purpose to the best of her ability. Surviving her to celebrate and rejoice in her life are her cousins, Sister Leatryce Bankston, Sister Arna Fuller, Brother Varick (Kelly) Fuller, Sister Rashun Wilson, and other family members, Sister Anita Wilson, Ania, Julian, Jordan, Brooklyn, Dylan and a host of friends. "And we all know that all things work to the good of them who love God, To them that are called according to his purpose ~ Romans 8:28 "Let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.~ Galatians 6:9 "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8 Services Friday, July 10th; Wake 10:00 AM, funeral, 10:30 AM at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, 2516 East 40th St. Watson's Funeral Home in charge, 216-721-0066.