Gwendolyn Elaine Willis, tenderly known as "Ms. Elaine", was born on January  19, 1960 in Dallas, TX to the  union of Rev. John & 1st Lady Clara Grant.

She accepted Christ at an early age and loved to give God all the glory. On Sunday mornings during the time of 9:00-11:00, she would not answer her phone due to her watching her Sunday sermon that she never missed. She also enjoyed watching First 48 and going to the Casino. She worked in the healthcare field as well as being a housewife for her beloved.

In 1988, Gwendolyn met her best  friend and love of her life James Willis, who precedes her in death.

Loved ones she join in eternal life alongside her husband James includes her mother 1st Lady Clara Grant and her son Ronald Ray "Rayco" Cooks Jr.

Gwendolyn leaves behind to cherish her memories (4) children: Gepetta "Jill" Lewis (Wayland), Daramius "Demo" Cooks, Adam Anthony Cooks and Rodney Eugene Cooks; (3) step-children: Reginald Willis, Kenneth Willis and Keith Willis; (9) grandchildren: DeanRay Coleman, Tiara Cooks, Deramius Cooks Jr., Kennan Ray Cooks, Tiffany Cooks, Anastasia Johnson, Raychelle Cooks, Rayleatha Cooks and Ronald Ray Cooks III; father Rev. John Grant; (4) siblings: John Grant, Ingrid Walker, Jacquelyn Grant and Cynthia Grant; (4) great grandchildren along with a host of other relatives and friends that will miss her dearly.