Wenzala "Wendy" Hubbard

Every journey has a beginning, for Wenzala Hubbard, endearingly called Wendy to some, and Dee-Dee to her family, began her journey on a warm Wednesday, August 24, 1960. Born to the blessed union of Wendell and Marceline Hubbard in the “Wendy” city of Chicago, IL.

Wendy’s foundational years spent closely with her immediate family. Fortunate to have had an older brother and sister. During these years she learned to play the piano, ice skate, and roller skate, amongst other things. I remember she once told me she traveled to France with classmates.

The years also spent receiving an education. She attended Tanner and Elmer G. Kick elementary, Martin Luther King Jr. High, and Thornton Township High School. She also attended St. Susannah Catholic school during those adolescent years, though throughout adulthood she was a devoted Christian, through a spiritual tethering. Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by Faith, not by sight.” This was her most sacred parable.

With the untimely passing of her mother while she was just a young girl in her later teens; brought forth the life of her first-born twin daughters; Chela, who is thirty-six minutes older and Cherina Hubbard. She once said, “I had no clue there were two.”

Now living in Houston, TX where she worked as a mail lady for the Unites States Postal Service and later the IRS, she fell head-over-heels for Bert Gilmore. Their bond gave birth to three bouncing baby boys, Bert Jr., our beloved and dearly departed DaCoda, and Evyan Gilmore. This especially, was a religiously nurturing and beautiful chapter in her journey.

She later fell in love with a carpenter, Jerome, and together they joined in holy matrimony on the blessed day of October 8, 1994, with her sister by her side as a witness and sharing in this important milestone in Wendy’s journey. The now Mrs. Buchanan delivered three more children over the course of the marriage; two boys (yes, more boys), Tamir and Jacques Buchanan, then long last had arrived another baby girl, Nari.

Together we are proudly known as Wendy’s Super Eight! There was almost nothing she would not do for her children. She lived for her children, they are her life, and they are her legacy.

Wendy always had a way with people, drawn to her like metals to magnets. Not just those people she encountered, but the friends of her children adored her too. She was the parent by whom all other kids called ‘mom.’ The house everyone wanted to spend the night over because Wendy is so cool, and she would not make you go to bed early.

Drawn to her sense of humor, drawn to her genuineness, and drawn to her charm. She was charitable. Over the years she opened her doors to friends and family, because that is who she was. Her faith reflected through her works. She was the type of person to gladly extend her last to someone in need, no matter if she had not to give. She always knew everything would work out.

Every journey has its trials, tribulations, and troubles. After the death of her second son her light shined a bit dimmer. Throughout her endearing smile with dimples deep as the depth of her cheeks; the pain behind her eyes remained ever present, yet she remained ever loving and ever giving.

A tribute to a few of her favorite things. Wendy’s favorite color was green, like the birthstone of Gemini. She loved the song Computer Love, by Zapp & Roger, but her favorite, His Eye is on the Sparrow. She loved perfume, she loved her scuffs, which are house slippers, and they were usually baby blue. Towards the end she enjoyed trying out new recipes that she found online and caring for her plants. She enjoyed writing profound and spiritual phrases, though she did not share that with everyone. She enjoyed having family gatherings and celebrations. She was not much of a phone person, neither am I. She loved watching Lifetime and her stories, Young & the Restless, Days of our Lives, and All my Children.

She is preceded in death by her beloved son DaCoda Gilmore, mother and father.

Her legacy leaves to cherish and remember, Children; Chela, Cherina, Bert Jr., Evyan, Tamir, Jacques (MoMo), and Nari. Grandchildren; Bryson Howard, Camdin Riley, Aiden Buchanan, Dasyn Buchanan, Xander Gilmore, Zayn and Zire Beecham, DaCoda Buchanan, and Journey Gilmore. Siblings; Floyd, Terry, Jonas, and Crystal. Favorite Niece: Nakia, followed by countlessly loved family and friends.

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