Gyna Bivens, celebrated for her transformative role in Fort Worth politics and deep faith, will be honored for her service, spirit, and lasting community impact.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Gospel music will be central to the farewell celebration honoring former Fort Worth councilwoman and mayor pro tem Gyna Bivens, with her sister and brother sharing memories of her life, faith, and service.
“It was never a dull moment. And I always looked forward to her coming home when she could for the holidays,” Melanie Bivens said.
“She was loving, she was caring, she was giving,” Raylon Bivins said.
Bivens is remembered not only as a public servant but as a woman of deep faith and, to her sister, a lifelong mentor.
“It was wonderful, ’cause y’all have to realize when I was born, Gina graduated from high school,” Melanie Bivens said.
In 2013, Bivens transitioned from a career in journalism into politics, representing Fort Worth’s District 5 for six terms before retiring in May 2025. Her impact on the city is marked not only by her legislative work but also by honors that include a street named in her recognition.
“She just saw areas she could get involved in trying to help in the community she grew up in,” Raylon Bivins said.
Her leadership and public presence inspired both of her siblings as they watched her career grow.
“Seeing her on television, how she spoke, how she smiled, how she dressed, how she carried herself,” Raylon Bivins said.
Later, Bivens shared devastating news with her family that no one expected.
“Went to the emergency room last night, diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer,” Melanie Bivens said, “But her strength was amazing.”
Raylon Bivins became one of her caregivers, witnessing that strength firsthand through her illness.
“I would play old gospel songs our father used to sing,” Raylon Bivins said.
During the farewell celebration for Gyna Bivens at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, her brother and sister say attendees are being asked to wear purple.
“That color represents pancreatic cancer awareness,” Raylon Bivins said, “And we have purple ribbons if you don’t have anything purple.”
For Melanie Bivens, the farewell is also about how her sister chose to live.
“If I can help somebody, then my living would not have been in vain,” Melanie Bivens said.
The public viewing is scheduled for Friday, February 20, at Historic Baker Funeral Home, located at 301 East Rosedale Street in Fort Worth.
The farewell celebration will take place at noon on Saturday, February 21, at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 2951 Evans Avenue in Fort Worth, where the family is asking attendees to wear shades of purple.