Gwendolyn Martin

Gwendolyn Belk-Martin entered this world on February 20, 1954 to Nancy E. Belk and Robert A. Belk, Sr. She passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

A native of Philadelphia, Gwen grew up in West Philly and graduated from West Philadelphia High School. She pursued her love of nursing, graduating from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing where she received her Nursing degree in 1980. She worked at several Philadelphia hospitals and nursing facilities and became a mentor to many nurses who followed in her footsteps.

She loved knitting and crocheting and loved displaying her talents. She also loved to read and cook. She loved to write poetry and was pretty good!

Unfortunately, Gwen was plagued with chronic pain most of her adult life but God sent her a true love – Bill Wheeler – and she moved to North Carolina to be with him. She was blessed to spend the last ten years of her life with the love of her life. She would say she finally found a good man. They truly loved each other, and North Carolina became her new home.

She is survived by her partner, William (“Bill”) Wheeler; five children, Jonathan, Lawrence, Christoper, Tiffany and Nancy; two “bonus” daughters, Victoria and Honor Wheeler; one brother and sister, William “Billy” Belk, Sr. and Barbara Belk; six grandchildren, Jalen Martin, Ava Oden, A’mia Martin, Arion Martin, Ashlynn Martin and Gabriel Salinas; two nephews, James Terry, IV and William Belk, Jr. She is also survived by several cousins and other extended family members She will be missed by all who knew and loved her in Philly.

Her parents, Robert A. Belk, Sr. and Nancy E. Belk preceded her in death in addition to her brother, Robert A. Belk, Jr. (“Tony”) and sister, Ava Denise Terry.

Rest in peace Gwen.

Final arrangements are slated for the following:

Saturday, May 17, 2025 – 1:00 pm

Viewing and Visitation: 12:00 pm

Galleria/Headquarters for Lori’s Funeral Home

1110 Holmes Street, Raleigh, NC 27610