She was born May 19, 1943, in Elk City, Oklahoma, a daughter of the late W.S and Retha Graham. Gwen was a member of Prairie View Baptist Church, and a homemaker. She enjoyed serving in many areas of the church over the years, but she got the most enjoyment when she spent time with her children and grandchildren. Gwen and Sam were married November 8, 1963 and moved to Iowa Park, Texas for a few years and then moved back to the Elk City area. During that time Sam worked in the oilfield and Gwen supported him and the family at home. She was incredibly involved with FFA, 4H and other areas that supported the community and her kids. Gwen then transitioned to work away from the home when her children grew older and worked in the home health industry for 10 years before retiring and continuing to serve at her church. Gwen was very giving of her time and energy to help others and to serve the Lord in her daily life.

Gwen left this earth to reunite with her husband Sam Carnes who preceded her in death; she is preceded in death by both her parents, one brother and one sister.

Gwen is survived by her brother, Jim & Treva Graham, Pat & Doyle Walker, and Gayla & Clayton Wood; her brother in laws, Jack & Kay Carnes, Albert & Karen Carnes, Jerry & Paula Carnes, her sister in laws, Janie Carnes and Lucille & Jr Porter. Gwen is survived by her sons, Sammy Gene & Sherri Carnes, and Buddy Darrell Carnes, all of Elk City, and her daughter Joanna & Sonny Zepeda of Leander, Texas. Gwen had twelve grandchildren, Tyler Carnes, Taylor Carnes and her fiancé Michael Rowell, Gabrielle Zepeda, Jacob Zepeda, Spencer & Sydney Tew, Cole Carnes, Coy Carnes, Gracee Carnes, Alexis Carnes, Libee Carnes and their mother Season Carnes. And her two great grandkids Kache & Maizee Tew. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2020, at Prairie View Baptist Church in Elk City, with Brother Boyd Whitehead officiating.

Burial will follow at the Retrop Cemetery.

Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at the Whinery funeral home 403 W Country Club in Elk City. Gwen’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers along with a couple of members of the church.