Gwendolyn Langridge Carraway

Gwendolyn Langridge Carraway of Gulfport, MS passed away on Friday, March 28, 2014. Gwen was a resident of Gulfport for the past 29 years. She was a member of the Episcopal Church and a native of New Orleans, LA. Gwen’s heritage is deeply rooted in New Orleans. She is a graduate of Newcomb University. Her mother, Ada Langridge, was the one of the first female architects in Louisiana. Her father, Frank Langridge, served as District Attorney for Jefferson Parish for 25 years. Gwen has quite an accomplished and diverse background. She was an expert Archer appearing on the cover of a national magazine. However, her true love was for animals. Her first endeavor was training Labrador Retrievers for field trials. With her family in tow, they traveled all over the United States participating in and winning many field trials. She was the first female non-professional dog handler to qualify for the nationals. She subsequently graduated to her passion, training horses and riders in the equestrian world. With her beloved husband, Will, they have taught hundreds of riders the art of equestrian riding beginning with their first farm, LeveeView in Metairie, LA. Retiring to Gulfport, MS, they began living their dream on 30 acres called Wildwood Farms. Gwen was instrumental in establishing the sport of equestrian riding in South Mississippi. She founded the Gulf Coast Hunter Jumper Circuit 26 years ago to establish a competitive circuit for equestrian riders. Mrs. Carraway has touched the lives of countless individuals over the years. She had a calming presence and in a subtle manner taught the virtues of patience, responsibility, discipline, and confidence. She was a second grandmother to many and the same quotes resound from all her knew her. “She was such an inspiration to me and changed my life in so many ways…everyone that comes out to the barn leaves as a better person… we are all very lucky to have her in our lives…she is an icon in the equestrian world.” She will have a special and lasting place in the heart of many. Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Carraway, Sr. Survivors include two sons, Frank Kendall Carraway (Cindy), William Cameron Carraway, Jr. (Marlyn), and three grandchildren, Brittany Morgan Carraway, Courtney Nicole Carraway and Sarah Elise Stauffer. Services will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road in Gulfport at 2:00 p.m. Friends may visit from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. A celebration of her life will follow immediately at Wildwood Farms. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com