We are deeply saddened of the passing of one of our friends and newspaper colleagues, Gwendolyn Pigg. A mutual coworker, Evangeline Williams, called us Friday afternoon with the news, and we were shocked. She lived to be 49.
When we first arrived on the local news scene, way back in 2008 at the Daily Siftings Herald, Gwen had already established herself as an invaluable asset to the newspaper as an advertising sales representative. She came and went from the newspaper office, as she spent much of her time in the field and selling ads like they were going out of style. Of the sales representatives, Gwen was the top performer.
Gwen’s smile was as tall as it was wide, and it radiated her own positivity such that it seemed to percolate throughout the newsroom. We’re certain that Gwen’s doting personality is what made her successful in sales — who could turn down that smile?
Gwen forged a lasting friendship with Mrs. Williams that would outlast their respective careers in the newspaper business. She had adopted Evangeline — some years her senior — as her own godmother, and up to her passing would often visit with Evangeline, have lunch with her, call or text her.
After Evangeline broke the news to us, we both called other former Siftings staffers to discuss Gwen’s passing. It was a shock to all of us. Because Gwen had undoubtedly amassed a sizable circle of friends during her brief 49 years, we’re certain that the news of her passing echoed sadly through Arkadelphia, her hometown of Sparkman, and beyond.
We were among the fortunate ones to have worked alongside Gwen and to call her a friend. May all of her friends and relatives find peace and comfort in her memory, and know that she left a pleasant mark on those who knew her.
Joel Phelps is publisher and editor of arkadelphian.com. Contact him by email at editor@arkadelphian.com.