Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson laid to rest

Funeral held for Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson

Family, friends and community members said their final goodbyes to Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson during her funeral service on Tuesday.

TAMPA, Fla. - Family, friends and community members said their final goodbyes to Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson following her death last week at age 60.

The backstory:

A Tampa native, Henderson grew up in the Carver City neighborhood before graduating from Jefferson High School and later returning to her alma mater as a teacher.

Voters in District 5 – which covers such areas as downtown Tampa, Ybor City and Tampa Heights – elected Henderson to the Tampa City Council in 2023.

Photo of Gwendolyn Henderson. Courtesy: City of Tampa.

What they're saying:

The City of Tampa issued a proclamation on Monday in memory of Henderson, writing in part: "Ms. Henderson was known for her tireless efforts to make her community a better place, for touching the lives of others, for her passion for education, equity, and economic opportunity, and for her keen sense of humor, and she will forever be remembered for her unwavering love of her family, intellect, her kind, caring, and joyful nature, as an extraordinary mentor and a champion for her community, and as someone who was admired as a compassionate and unselfish humanitarian who made a difference and served as a positive role model for others to emulate."

A wake was held on Monday night ahead of Tuesday's funeral service.

Henderson's funeral took place on Tuesday at the Allen Temple AME Church on Lowe St. in Tampa.

What's next:

As for her City Council seat, a special election will be held later this year.

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The Source: This story was written with information from the City of Tampa and previous FOX 13 News reports.

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