Miriam "Gwin" Bivins

June 28, 1945 - June 5, 2014

Miriam "Gwin" Bivins, 68, of Prescott Valley, AZ, made her final exit, stage left on Thursday June 5, 2014 at her home surrounded by her beloved 'Smarty' Marty and 'Angel' Charlotte Matzke. Gwin was born Thursday, June 28, 1945, in New York, New York, to John and Miriam Bivins. She had two older brothers, John and Walter, and a younger sister Billie. She spent most of her years growing up in Greenwich, Connecticut. Gwin graduated from Sullins College in Bristol, VA with her A.A. in English and Drama. She received her B.A in English and Drama from Trinity College in San Antonia, TX. She finished her education at Sonoma State University in CA. graduating with a Masters Degree in Special Education. Gwin loved being a Special Education Teacher for exceptional children, an Adult Education Teacher of Language Development for Autistic Men, and an Adult Education Teacher of Drama for the Deaf Exceptional Adults. Gwin ended her teaching career in California as an Adult Education Teacher for the severely Handicapped adults. Gwin met her husband, Jim West in Crockett, California in 1989. They moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1995 and moved to Prescott Valley, AZ in 1999. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother Walter, and her husband Jim. She is survived by her brother John Bivins of Atlanta, GA; sister, Billie Messer of Lake Toxaway, N.C.; her Arizona 'family', Marty and Charlotte Matzke of Prescott Valley, AZ; Sarah Matzke of Avondale, AZ; and many close friends and loved ones she considered her family from the Prescott Valley area. Her Celebration of Life will be at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Rev. Charlotte Matzke will officiate. Following the service, a gathering of close friends and family will take place at the Matzke home. Condolences and flowers may be sent to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 7763 East Long Look Dr. Prescott Valley, AZ 86314.