Dr. Gwendolyn Marie Twillie, Ph.D.

Dr. Gwendolyn Marie (Brown) Twillie, Ph.D.—a gifted educator, scholar, dancer, choreographer, and storyteller whose life was devoted to faith, family, and the arts—entered her eternal rest on October 19, 2025, in Oberlin, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family. She was 84 years old.

Born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Gwendolyn was the beloved daughter of Eddie David Brown and Earline (Black) Brown, and the cherished sister of William Kenneth Brown. She graduated from White County Training School in Searcy in just three years, where her early curiosity and love for learning became evident.

Gwendolyn continued her academic journey at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, AR, earning her bachelor’s degree—again in only three years—before completing a master’s degree in education at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR. Later, while married and raising three small children, she pursued her doctoral studies at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX, culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy in Dance and Related Arts. Her degree reflected her lifelong belief that movement and creativity are essential forms of expression and learning. In an era when women’s accomplishments were too often overlooked, Dr. Twillie taught her children that intellectual and family life could thrive together—and that a mother’s success was a family’s success.

She began her professional career as a teacher in the Little Rock School District, where she taught at historic institutions such as Horace Mann High School and Little Rock Central High School during a transformative period in Arkansas education. Later, she joined the faculty of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), where she served with distinction for more than two decades, ultimately becoming Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. In that role, Dr. Twillie mentored generations of students, developed new curricula, and championed the role of the arts in education. Her colleagues remember her for her elegance, her insistence on excellence, and her quiet ability to inspire confidence and creativity in others.

After retiring from UALR, Dr. Twillie turned her full attention to her passion for storytelling—an art she considered both ministry and calling. As a professional storyteller and artist-in-residence on the Arkansas Arts Council’s Arts on Tour roster, she shared tales drawn from her travels to all seven continents. Her performances—woven with stories, song, and movement—brought joy to audiences of every age and celebrated the beauty of world cultures. Through her storytelling, she continued her life’s mission: to educate, to uplift, and to connect hearts through shared experience.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Dr. Twillie was a longtime member of Bullock Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Little Rock, where she served alongside her husband, the late Manuel Arnil Twillie, Sr., who passed away in 2022. Together, they lived out their Christian principles through service, teaching, generosity, and a shared commitment to education. Their 62-year marriage was one of mutual respect and partnership. After retiring, they traveled the world together—fulfilling a dream to visit every continent, including Antarctica.

Dr. Twillie’s legacy continues through her three devoted children: Dr. David Allen Twillie, M.D. (Joy) of Goodlettsville, Tennessee; President Carmen Marie Twillie Ambar, J.D., of Oberlin, Ohio; and Manuel Arnil Twillie, Jr., M.S., of Chicago, Illinois; and by Kwasi Quansah of Accra, Ghana (a beloved exchange son who became family in every way). She was the proud grandmother of Marisha Kayla Twillie, Joshua Alexander Twillie, Alassane Twillie, Gabrielle Marie Ambar, Luke Manuel Ambar, and Daniel Ellis Ambar. Her love for family was boundless, and she delighted in each generation’s accomplishments and laughter.

Dr. Twillie’s life was a testament to grace, intellect, and faith. She lived by the conviction that art, education, and faith are inseparable expressions of God’s creativity within us. Those who knew her will remember her poise, sense of humor, devotion to excellence, and her gift for bringing people together through words and wisdom.

A memorial service will be held on November 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Bullock Temple CME Church, 1513 S. Park St., Little Rock, AR. The repass will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the lower level of Historic Union Station, 1400 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bullock Temple CME Church or to educational and arts organizations that support youth in the performing arts.

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” — Proverbs 31:26 (KJV)