Obituary from the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, dated Sunday, June 28, 2009, page B2:

Gwendolyn J. Beasley Baltimore passed peacefully at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family on April 2, 2009. Gwen was born on July 6, 1931, to Marion and Raymond Beasley in Oakland, Calif. She was raised in the San Francisco Bay area and received her education in California. At a young age, she married Graham McMullan and through that union they had four daughters. In her later years, she met and married Larry Baltimore. In November 1976, Gwen left Oakland for Fairbanks to celebrate Thanksgiving with her husband, Larry, who was working as a master carpenter at the time. Though her initial intent was to only stay for the holiday, she was captivated by the natural habitat of the countryside, and she remained for 33 years. Throughout her life, Gwen enriched her communities through various careers. While living in San Francisco, Gwen worked for the Hasting & Smith Clothing Store as a comptometer operator. She served as a clerk at the local post office and became involved as a counselor with The Mission Rebels, a youth enrichment group founded by the Rev. Jesse James. Just prior to relocating to Fairbanks, she worked as a taxi driver in Oakland, which she greatly enjoyed. Upon her arrival in Fairbanks, she briefly served as a short-order cook at Woolworth then served as a salesperson at Lamont Department Store where she retired after five years. After having been taught to sew by her grandmother Essie Russell in her youth, she made all of her children's clothes and came to be known as a superb seamstress. Gwen also enjoyed fishing, and Seventh Street Pier in Oakland was among her favorite fishing spots. Her late brother Raymond Beasley II's football career stimulated her fondness of the sport, making her a loyal fan of the San Francisco 49ers. In her later years, Gwen took up bowling, carrying an oxygen tank under her arm and a 14-pound bowling ball in her hand. Gwen played in local leagues and received several trophies. Gwen also became quite the "farm girl" raising vegetables in her backyard. She grew the best collard greens in Fairbanks.

Gwen is survived by her husband, Larry Baltimore; four daughters; Michelle, Andrae, Alisonne and Marta; grandchildren, Lonnie, Nicole, George, Noel, Korvel, Allyse, Karna, Makia, Jola and Alonna; 34 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers, Raymond, Valin, Maral and Damyon; sisters, Gaye, Deling, Edourette, Paulette, Ellen and Akiko; and nieces, Cheryl, Angela and many more. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Raymond Beasley II; and nephews, Tobie, Alvin McMullan and Raymond Beasley III. Gwen's wishes were to be cremated and for her beloved to hold a memorial service on or near her birthday. Friends are invited to attend the memorial service at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 5, at St. James Temple AME Zion Church, 965 Farmers Loop. Family contact: Mikie, 799-1572. Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home.